30 years ago, Lara Croft was released, a character unlike any seen by gamers before.

The Tomb Raider video game was released on October 24, 1996, initially for Sega Saturn, followed by PlayStation and PC. Lara Croft, created by Core Design, was a groundbreaking female character, not a damsel in distress but a competent action heroine. The game received critical acclaim for its mix of puzzles and action, revitalizing Eidos Interactive. Subsequent titles saw Lara's character evolve, with the series eventually transitioning to Crystal Dynamics, which revitalized the franchise with a new approach. The 2013 reboot introduced a more vulnerable Lara, leading to a successful trilogy. The 30th anniversary was celebrated in Derby, England, with original creators and current developers present, hinting at future projects like Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, promising modern design while honoring Lara's legacy.