Crystal Dynamics issues statement regarding Tomb Raider

STN:

Crystal Dynamics have released a statement regarding Tomb Raider, following an outburst on the internet which suggests that Lara will be subject of an alleged "attempted rape" in the latest game.

[Megaton]

Oversensitive dimwits with nothing better to do with their lives are determined to ruin this game.

[Valenka]

I couldn't agree more. I've been in a two day argument with some snooty bitch over at The Average Gamer who wrote an article claiming rape was used as a plot device. Clearly, the idiot hadn't watched the video because as Crystal Dynamics stated, the confrontation doesn't go any further that what was shown.

Like you said, they've got nothing better to do with their lives.

[Winter47th]

Are they actually trying to eliminate rape by presuming the game supports rape?

[GuyThatPlaysGames]

What's more pathetic and shows that even YOU don't have anything better to do with your life is the fact that you spent two days arguing over a videogame!

[da_2pacalypse]

I don't understand... Why does it even matter? lol If they use it as a plot device, then good for them. You don't know how it's going to play out until you play the game. Why are people freaking out over such small things?

There are bigger problems in the world that Lara Croft being raped! lol

[Kurt Russell]

All the things wrong with this world, and they're wasting time over something as trivial as this. I wish my life was that closed off and perfect that this becomes my greatest worry.

[badz149]

I do think that the "moaning" sound in question should be toned down a bit and I don't think that it will ruin the experience

[Jazz4108]

This is a mature game. If they don't like it then don't play it. Many movies have shown rape as in the accused which was full blown rape. I don't think rape is right but its showing things that happen in life and kiling people is not right either but it happens in the real world. People need to just shut the hell up as are hobbie is getting ruined by cry babies and entitleist.

[Silly Mammo]

It's interesting that people want video games to compete on the same artistic level as movies/television and books, but when developers try to add realism to their games, the critics go crazy.

[WitWolfy]

Yeah I freaking hate it! I loved the scene where you see how Lara desperately tries to defend herself.. The emotion in that scene sent shivers down my spine when I first saw it.. MAde this games WOW factor 10 up!

[miyamoto]

That rape scene sure reminded me of Heavy Rain instantly.

but even at low polygon count, Lara used to give gamers a boner just by getting out of the water. so CD might be banking on that here.

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

Even if CD is counting on that... Have you any idea of how many suspense movies out there have highly recognized sexy symbol actress that make highly sexualized rape streuggle scenes?

Why is it ok in movies and not in games? I mean, everyone can have their opinion, some will like it and some don't, but do we really have any reason to pick at CD now?

[WildArmed]

This man speaks from the heart.

[Dark11]

It is just a video game god damn it!!!

[negroguy]

This didn't even cross my mind at all. The only way I thought of this was by reading their statement.

[AgreeFairy]

Not sure why they named this girl Lara as she's nothing like the real Lara Croft. This girl is whiny & useless.

[Lord_Sloth]

Do you ever tire of saying things of less than average intellect?

[Sarcasm]

*sigh*

The game is about her becoming the lara croft everyone knows.

People are who they are because of what they experience in their past.

An example is that Green Berets don't become Green Berets by doing IT classes.

[XboxInnovation]

Some troll made that Lara Rape scene thing up. Similar to how trolls make up people dying and it spreads like wildfire.

The problem lies with idiots believing it and talking about it.

Crystal probably loves the attention, though.

[stuntman_mike]

Even if it was an implied rape (or actual) as long as they handle it properly i dont see the problem. there is no reason games cant address problems with society just like a lot of soap opera's do.

also most of us know this game is not intended for kids either.

[Statix]

If the game is M-rated, then I don't see any problem with depictions of rape, sex, nudity, drugs, guns, violence, dismemberment, gore... whatever. It's not like the game is made for kids.

Just like how movies that are R-rated can have depictions of sex (and rape, on occasion), as well as realistic gore and violence, I am completely boggled as to why videogames should incite anymore outrage, or be held to a different standard as entertainment media.

[cjflora]

Because people (outside of those who play games) still hold on to the idea that video games are for kids. They think of it as a toy, and when they see things like this they freak out because it's "obvious" that kids will get ahold of hit.

[MilkMan]

What the f@ck is the discussion about?
Even if she got raped (which she doesn't) It would be for the sake of story, as Crystal Dynamic stated.

Only fools would pick this apart and try and make something out of nothing.

I can think of plenty of other games with stronger sexual content and I didn't hear jack sh!t about that.

Witcher being one of them.

[cjflora]

The only reason a rape scene would need to be called out is if it were clear someone were "glorifying" the rape. Making it titillating and intended to arouse. If someone had a rape scene that was horrifying and was meant to show how traumatic it can be, obviously it's not being used to promote or glorify rape.

[violents]

I think its funny how people have no problems with killing people all day in a video game and some of the newest games are getting really gruesome(which i love) but if you make a girl in a game get assalted sexually you gone too far. And then on top of it there isn't actually a rape scene, zealots are getting all bent out of shape based on the idea that it could be there.

These problems happen in real life on a daily basis, just because it is distasteful or abhorent doesn't mean you should hide it like it doesn't happen. It would be one thing if you put something like that in a game just to offend people or for shock value but its something completely different if it accually adds to the story or the history of the character.

Sometimes life is gritty and horrible and to tell a story properly you can't flower it up because some people dont wanna see it.

[cjflora]

I think the reason that people are more ok with violence when compared to sex is because violence is more outside of the normal everyday lives of most people. It's more "out there" than sex.

So what I mean is that someone not being influenced by any medium is more likely to go out and have sex with someone in their normal lives than they are to go out and kill someone. When you introduce this notion into younger teens, they are probably more likely to be influenced into sexual activity by entertainment than they are likely to be influenced to be violent by entertainment. If they're going to be influenced at all.

Sex is more natural than violence (in most people), so something that comes more naturally is more likely to influence someone more easily.

That's my theory anyway on why violence is more accepted than sex when it comes to entertainment. I could be way off.

[violents]

I kinda see what you mean but isn't rape still violence? I mean its not like theres a guy that will rape a girl tenderly right? I dont want to hurt you while i steal your innocence. Ok bad joke but i thing you get my point.

[cjflora]

I was talking more about general sexual content. Rape would fall more under violence than sexual to me.

[trenso1]

people always need to find something to whine about. it never fails.

[barb_wire]

These over-sensitive types better stay (far) away from Japan then..

[CLOUD1983]

LoL my thought exactly :D
In Japan rape is the No1 subject in porn industry u can find it as scenario anywhere from manga to anime to games to real porn and btw there is porn movies in JPN with "real" rapes where the man who do it have his face censored & the girl is some nameless girl he assault somewhere (for any1 interested check JAV series NHDTA) :P

[ninjahunter]

Ive seen enough hentai to know where this is going.

[pixelsword]

97% of Japan pre-orders cancelled.

Preorders in Texas went up 70%

France Surrendered.

[Nimblest-Assassin]

"tentacle rape edition announced Japanese pre orders go back up, with bonus school girl costume"

Lol... I know that was immature and this is off topic, but when you look at some of the games in Japan, and the amounts they sell... they love their games over the top

ex:gal*gun,Doki Doki Majo Shinpan!.... yeah, Im really confused

[pixelsword]

LOL!

Yeah, Japan's games are super crazy, but you gotta love them... or at least grin nervously if your girlfriend comes into the room.

I totally forgot about The Shinpan game; that's like a game custom made for Arnold Schwarzenegger.

[betan21]

its just a game for crying out loud...some people have nothing better to do

[Man_Among_Mice]

What kills me is there have been depictions of rape or attempted rape in just about every other form of media out there and no one says shit, but the second it gets put in a video game all hell breaks loose. It's plot device intended to show how Lara grew as a woman and a survivor hell she kicked the dudes ass that touched her inappropriately you would think they would be happy with that but oh no all they focus on is the fact that it's there. I'm so tired of American media blowing every little thing into some big effing shitstorm.

[house]

exactly i was telling my friends the same thing about nudity its in everything but yet when its in video games people go nuts like if they did it in order to posein peoples mind and its insane that people are not allowed to express them self's because of this

[masa2009]

Is this the first time a character is subjected to an attempted rape in a work of fiction?
Is this condoning rape in any way?

Another proof that games are still considered like toys instead of creative works.

[ShiftyLookingCow]

You are quite right. This sounds more like an outrage against promiscuous Barbie than an actual critique.

[ShiftyLookingCow]

Ha I remember that article on Kotaku where the author, after winning a round in Gears of War, said "I r*ped you" to the opposing team, then felt bad about it and finally blamed it on them for being guys.
The irony being that she is talking about a game where you can chainsaw your opponent, stick a live grenade up his rear, etc.
Lol at people fussing and thrashing on the ground for the portrayal of imaginary characters.

[arbitor365]

it absolutely blows my mind that some people have called this game misogynistic and low step for the franchise. such unmitigated stupidity....

[KontryBoy706]

It's a video game my goodness! It's VIRTUAL REALITY. I guess from now on the same dimwits that complain about this need to complain about every movie or scene that has sexual violence in it too. It's not like the game isn't rated. People always getting butt hurt geez...

[covkidcookie]

This is and always has been a fucking pointless piece of crap which gamers and especially female gamers a getting pissed about just so they can write another article to get fame, grow up

[LNDCalling]

It didn't even cross my mind when I watched the trailer! :/

I think they have now just drawn attention to some which in many people's eyes wasn't even there anyway and not done any favours for real rape victims in the process!

ALSO.. how comes killing hundreds of people in varying sickening ways is not frowned upon but even the mildest suggestion of a possible rape and the media goes crazy.

I'm looking forward to this game regardless.

[Kluv]

They better not tone this down. If Lara Croft kills her first human being over something like stubbing her toe and not self-defense against despicable perverts, the motivation is ruined.

[arbitor365]

if people think that "rape peril" is a new thing in video games, apparently they have never played "haunting grounds"

[atticus14]

Good thing rape stories never happen on TV, right guys???

A lot of these whiners are probably women who sit at home and watch the lifetime made for tv movies, that often use rape as catalyst for a story plot, with their young daughters, but no that's not offensive just games that make suggestive comments about rape.

[Flewid638]

I can f*ck wenches in God of War but I cant watch a guy sexually harrass Lara Croft?

WTF????

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

What are the odds that the people complaining about this said "rape scene" aren't even gamers? and have gotten wind of this topic from another random source?

[KingOfArcadia]

Pretty close to 95% I would say - with the other 5% made up of the kind of people who either a). the typical gamers who bitch and moan about everything anyways, b). religious whackjobs, or c). the folks who think that Fox News is actually about news.