Releasing on February 14 for PC and consoles spanning two generations, the Tomb Raider: 1-3 Remastered collection has garnered attention not just for its enhanced graphics and gameplay but also for a significant addition—a content warning. Crystal Dynamics, the studio behind the remasters, has taken a bold step by acknowledging and denouncing racially and ethnically prejudiced content present in the original trilogy.
The warning, discovered by keen-eyed fans on Tomb Raider Forums, addresses the offensive nature of certain elements within the games. While the specifics aren’t explicitly outlined, it’s suggested that the South Pacific section of Tomb Raider 3 may be the focus, notably scenes depicting tribal people implied to be cannibals—a stereotype that has long been denounced by advocacy groups. Crystal Dynamics, in alignment with their values, chose not to censor or remove this content but rather present it in its original form to prompt reflection on its implications.
Developed primarily by Aspyr Media, the remastered collection revisits the first three entries of the iconic franchise initially developed by Core Design. Despite the change in development hands, Crystal Dynamics took the responsibility to address the contentious content, emphasizing their commitment to integrity and cultural sensitivity.
The decision to include a content warning, rather than whitewashing history, underscores a progressive approach toward acknowledging and learning from past missteps. It’s a move that invites players to engage critically with the media they consume and fosters discussions on representation and stereotypes in gaming.
While the warning appears only once upon booting the game, its impact resonates throughout the experience, urging players to confront uncomfortable truths and consider the broader implications of media portrayal. As gaming continues to evolve, initiatives like these mark significant strides toward inclusivity and awareness within the industry.
