British Science Embraces Lara Croft (1998)

Eidos' digital diva to be named official spokesperson for UK science and technology.

by IGN Staff - December 4, 1998

Lara Croft has stepped out of the games industry and onto the stage of international politics.

A group in Her Majesty's Government wants to make Lara the official ambassador for Britain's science and technology sector, reports the BBC. The proposal comes from Lord Sainsbury of Turville, science minister in the current cabinet.

"I want people when they think of this country to think of such scientific achievements as Thrust, the first supersonic car, and the Psion palmtop computer," Lord Sainsbury told the BBC. "I want Lara Croft to be an ambassador for British scientific excellence."

Jeremy Smith, the managing director of Core Designs (who make the Tomb Raider games), was pleased with the announcement, and said that he thought that in time Lara Croft could become as big as James Bond.

"Currently, she is almost part of the establishment as is 007, and providing we, as a company, don't decimate her character, there is no reason why she shouldn't go on for a long time," Smith told the BBC.

This is not the only honor Ms. Croft has received recently in her home island. In November, the Tomb Raider series of games was awarded 'Millennial Product' status by the UK's design council. The design council is a group assembled by British Prime Minister Tony Blair and tasked with demonstrating to the world that Britain is a "creative powerhouse" on the world stage.