Crystal Dynamics addresses Tomb Raider rape controversy
Joannes Truyens June 13, 2012 - 9:00 pmNews: Turns out there is no attempted rape in Tomb Raider: Crystal Dynamics have commented on the recent controversy regarding a sequence of attempted rape in the Tomb Raider reboot, stating that “sexual assault is not a theme that we cover.”
“It’s not rape, it’s surprise sex!” If only Crystal Dynamics had denied any allegations of rape that way. But no, it falls to studio head Darrell Gallagher to issue a statement to address the recent controversy regarding a scene in the upcoming Tomb Raider reboot. It shows Lara being cornered by a large, burly man, with plenty of implications. ”Attempted rape builds character” is the gist of what spokesperson Ron Rosenberg has been saying, but his comments have caused some general consternation.
Apparently, it’s all one big misunderstanding. “In this particular section, while there is a threatening undertone in the sequence and surrounding drama, it never goes any further than what we have already shown publicly. Sexual assault of any kind is categorically not a theme that we cover in this game,” reads the statement from Gallagher on the official website.
The sequence is actually meant to document Lara’s very first kill, a harrowing turning point in her life. Lara may indeed fight off her attacker before anything resembling sexual assault happens, but the implication of it is still there, plain to see. Check out the footage here and tell me what else it’s trying to imply.
And what if that sequence is a quicktime event? What happens when you don’t press X in time? Will it just fade to black and “imply” stuff?
BeefJack has you covered with more news on Tomb Raider.
