While many feminist scholars and academics believe the stereotypes and language surrounding today’s games are the most pressing issue facing female gamers and designers today, I will argue that it is actually the content of the games themselves that must be addressed first. However problematic she may be, Lara is also an example of ideal female representation and how future gamers, designers, and programmers can start to change the traditionally male-dominated industry.Ī lot of problematic aspects of videogame culture can and should be addressed in order to facilitate female growth and empowerment. Ever since the beginning of her crypt-hunting career, tomb raider Lara Croft has been both a figure of female empowerment and an objectified sex symbol meant entirely for the male gaze. Gaming’s bravest (and bustiest) archaeologist crashed back onto the scene in 2013 after nearly five years since her last video game appearance.
