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Lara Croft, from Tomb Raider, has been voted as the most iconic video game character of all time in a poll conducted by BAFTA.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced the results of its players’ poll to determine the top characters in video game history. The poll attracted participation from over 4,000 players worldwide, coinciding with the 20th BAFTA Games Awards on April 11.
The top 20 list includes characters of various backgrounds, from anthropomorphic animals to spies with guns, showcasing the most recognizable faces in gaming. These characters, along with their respective games, have collectively won 44 BAFTA Games Awards over the past two decades, establishing themselves as memorable and cherished figures in video game history.
Leading the list is Lara Croft, the iconic heroine of the Tomb Raider franchise. Lara first appeared in 1996 and has undergone multiple revamps for TV, film, video games, and even a live immersive experience in London, England.
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Franchise history
The ownership of the Tomb Raider franchise has changed hands over the years.
Originating from Core Design, a British game studio that held the rights from 1994 to 2006, the first game, Tomb Raider, was released in 1996. Eidos Interactive then transferred development responsibilities to Crystal Dynamics from 2003 to 2008.
Subsequently, Japan’s Square Enix acquired Eidos Interactive in 2009 and oversaw the franchise until 2021. In 2022, Embracer Group took over the franchise. By 2022, the franchise had sold over 95 million copies.
Recently, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered was launched on various platforms, and the highly anticipated Netflix TV series, “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft,” is set to debut later this year. Additionally, Shelley Blond, the original voice of Lara Croft, will present an award at the 20th BAFTA Games Awards ceremony on April 11 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London.
Mario and Agent 47
Coming in second place is Mario, the popular character from the Nintendo franchise created by Shigeru Miyamoto. Mario, known for his appearance as Jumpman in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, has become a recognizable figure in the video game industry and beyond.
Claiming the third spot is Agent 47 from the Hitman series, a surprise choice for many. Developed by Danish studio IO Interactive in 1998, Agent 47 made his debut in Hitman: Codename 47 in 2000, captivating gamers worldwide with his stealthy assassin persona.
The Most Iconic Video Game Characters of All Time
The list is based on the number of votes received and features iconic characters like Lara Croft, Mario, Agent 47, Sonic the Hedgehog, Sackboy, Pac-Man, Link, Master Chief, Kratos, Shadowheart, Arthur Morgan, Pikachu, Steve, Solid Snake, Crash Bandicoot, Cloud Strife, Astarion, Kazuma Kiryu, Ellie Williams, and Nathan Drake.
Various voice actors and developers shared their experiences and insights about the characters they brought to life, highlighting the impact and significance of these iconic video game characters on players and the industry.
