Mom's Minute

Lara Croft in Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider appeared to have taken a back seat when compared to some of the other video games that wowed gamers and others at E3.  

Tomb Raider has Lara Croft using a bow and arrow as her choice of weapons

A change that is being applauded is the use of a bow and arrow during gameplay.  Some gamers are saying they are looking forward to Tomb Raider due to this new action feature.

However, Tomb Raider is not without controversy given some of the actions shown in its Crossroads video game trailer.

Specifically, there are some suggestive scenes that may lead one to think that Lara Croft is defending herself against one of the most atrocious, violent acts against women.  Towards that end, Darrell Gallagher of Crystal Dynamics released the following statement:

"Sexual assault of any kind is categorically not a theme that we cover in this game."

Video game makers should know that imagination is a big part of video games on the part of the developers as well as the gamers.  It shows a measure of gross irresponsibility when even the slightest hint on this crime is shown in any video game.

If this crime is not the intent, then why show actions that could be construed as such.

Instead of simply making a statement, which more than likely will spur even more rumors, it would be in the best interest of Crystal Dynamics to remove this portion of the content from the game completely -- not as a censorship move, but as a way to show its social responsibility. Lara Croft  of Tomb Raider is a  fearless, adventurous heroine, and should be depicted as such -- without any inference, (regardless of how slight) of this crime in the video game.