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Entertainment • Video Game

Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider is a media franchise that began with an action-adventure video game series created by British developer Core Design in 1996.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Tomb Raider is a media franchise that began with an action-adventure video game series created by British developer Core Design in 1996. It centres on the fictional British archaeologist Lara Croft, who explores ancient tombs, ruins, and dangerous locations in search of artefacts. The franchise has expanded into films, comics, novels, and other media.

Overview

Tomb Raider is an action-adventure franchise built around Lara Croft and her searches for ancient artefacts. It is best known for its combination of exploration, environmental puzzles, and combat in perilous settings.

History

The franchise originated with the 1996 game developed by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive. Ownership later moved to Square Enix Europe and then to Embracer Group in 2022, with CDE Entertainment operating the franchise.

Gameplay and themes

The series usually places players in hostile environments such as tombs, ruins, and remote landscapes. Gameplay commonly includes traversal, puzzle-solving, trap avoidance, and fighting enemies.

Expanded media

Tomb Raider has grown beyond games into films, comics, novels, and other merchandise. The franchise has helped establish Lara Croft as a major video game icon. The 2001 film *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* was an international co-production that included Canada.

Key facts

  • The franchise began with the original *Tomb Raider* video game released in 1996.
  • Its central character is Lara Croft, a British archaeologist and adventurer.
  • Core gameplay typically involves exploration, puzzle-solving, platforming, and combat.
  • The series has been owned by Eidos Interactive, then Square Enix Europe, and since 2022 by Embracer Group.
  • The franchise has expanded into films, comics, soundtracks, and novels.
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Canadian context

Tomb Raider has had Canadian involvement through at least one film adaptation: the 2001 feature *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider* was an international co-production that included Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tomb Raider?
Tomb Raider is a media franchise that began as a video game series and centres on Lara Croft, a British archaeologist and adventurer.
Who created Tomb Raider?
The franchise originated with British developer Core Design.
Who is Lara Croft?
Lara Croft is the fictional main character of Tomb Raider and the series’ central protagonist.
When did Tomb Raider first appear?
The franchise began in 1996 with the release of the first Tomb Raider game.
What kind of gameplay does Tomb Raider use?
The series usually combines exploration, puzzle-solving, platforming, and combat in dangerous environments.
Has Tomb Raider been adapted into other media?
Yes. The franchise has been adapted into films and has also appeared in comics, novels, and other media.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_Raider
    Supports: Franchise origin, ownership history, main character, and media expansion.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_Raider_(1996_video_game)
    Supports: 1996 debut game, developer/publisher, and gameplay premise.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lara_Croft
    Supports: Lara Croft as the franchise’s protagonist and character description.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lara_Croft:_Tomb_Raider
    Supports: Canadian involvement in the 2001 film adaptation.