Lara Croft has cemented her place as one of gaming’s most iconic figures, breaking two Guinness World Records just as fans eagerly await Crystal Dynamics’ next Tomb Raider game. Rumours surrounding a new open-world adventure have heightened anticipation ahead of its potential reveal at The Game Awards.
Lara Croft sets new world records
Guinness World Records has officially recognised Lara Croft as the best-selling video game heroine of all time. The Tomb Raider franchise has sold an impressive 100 million units over the past 30 years, combining mainline games, spin-offs, and mobile releases. Guinness claims Lara is “way ahead of her competition”, underlining her status as a standout female protagonist in the industry.
In addition to sales, Lara has achieved the record for appearing on the most magazine covers of any video game character. As of April 2025, she has graced the covers of 2,300 magazines, spanning gaming, film, lifestyle, and comics. Her most notable appearances include Newsweek, TIME, and the 1999 Playboy issue. Lara is also featured on the cover of the Guinness World Records 2026 book.
Reflecting on these achievements, Crystal Dynamics’ Head of Studio Scot Amos said, “As tremendous fans of Lara Croft, we’ve been so fortunate to join the Tomb Raider community on this journey throughout the years. She’s been aspirational and inspirational for nearly three decades, and it’s an honour to have her legacy recognised by Guinness World Records.”
He added, “These achievements remind us of her enduring cultural impact and the passionate global fanbase. We’re thrilled to be building a bright future for Lara Croft, driven by her spirit of curiosity, courage, and adventure.”
Rumours surround the next Tomb Raider game
Amos has teased a “bright future” for Lara Croft, confirming that a new Tomb Raider game is officially in development. The upcoming title is moving away from the Foundation Engine used in the Survivor trilogy, switching to Unreal Engine 5, with Amazon continuing as the publisher. Beyond these details, most information comes from rumours and leaks.
Entertainment leaker V Scooper suggests the new game will be an open-world adventure, with Lara racing against a Society of Raiders who are “hunting Ashoka’s mythical weapons that grant conquest power”. The open-world environment is said to feature harsh deserts, cliffs, dense jungles, and icy mountains. Reports also indicate that Lara will be portrayed at her “prime,” and that players can expect to traverse the landscape on motorcycles, engage in non-lethal combat, and strategically direct allies.
Lara Croft’s presence beyond gaming
Lara Croft’s influence extends far beyond video games. The animated series Legend of Lara Croft season 2 is set to premiere on Netflix on 11 December, coinciding with The Game Awards. A live-action series for Amazon Prime is also in development, starring Sophie Turner, who has promised fans that Lara is in “very safe hands”.
These developments highlight Lara Croft’s continued relevance and enduring popularity. Decades after her debut, she remains a symbol of adventure and empowerment in both gaming and popular culture.
