The numbers
The Tomb Raider I-III Remastered received a controversial patch on March 12, 2026, which introduced a new challenge mode and 10 new outfits for the iconic character Lara Croft. However, the update has not been well received by the gaming community, as user reviews on Steam plummeted from ‘Very Positive’ to ‘Mixed’ following the release.
Players have reported various bugs and performance issues after the patch, including audio glitches and stuttering gameplay. Many users have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, with one Steam user stating, “Keep AI out of Tomb Raider, Lara deserves better than this.” Another user lamented, “This update is a total let down. It devalues the passion the developers poured into the project and replaces it with low-quality AI work.” These sentiments reflect a growing frustration among fans regarding the quality of updates and the use of AI-generated textures in the new costumes.
In addition to the patch controversy, the Tomb Raider franchise is expanding into television. Sophie Turner has been cast as Lara Croft in a new TV series, which is set to begin production on January 19, 2026. This series will be produced by Amazon MGM Studios and represents the first live-action adaptation focused on Lara Croft, a character who has been portrayed by both Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander in previous films.
The Tomb Raider franchise has a rich history, having launched its first game in 1996. Over the years, it has grown to include 12 mainline games, not counting various spinoffs and remakes. The character of Lara Croft has become a cultural icon, and the upcoming series aims to explore her adventures in a new format.
Sophie Turner expressed her excitement about the role, stating, “I am thrilled beyond measure to be playing Lara Croft. She’s such an iconic character, who means so much to so many.” This enthusiasm is echoed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who teased, “Get your artifacts out… Croft is coming,” hinting at the anticipation surrounding the series.
As the gaming community grapples with the implications of the recent patch, observers are eager to see how the new TV series will be received. The combination of a beloved character and a new medium presents both opportunities and challenges for the franchise. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how the series will differentiate itself from previous adaptations and what new storylines it may introduce.
With the Tomb Raider franchise continuing to evolve, fans are left to navigate the complexities of modern gaming updates while looking forward to the potential of fresh narratives in the television realm. The future of Lara Croft remains a topic of great interest, as both the gaming and television landscapes await the next chapter in her storied journey.