As we all know, the gaming industry is no stranger to controversy. Whether we’re talking about the classic violent video games are corrupting Little Jimmy’s mind argument, the snafu surrounding loot boxes or something else entirely, it can be rough working in this industry.

Negative attitudes towards women is another hot button issue. This is true both from the outside looking in and vice versa; neither female gamers nor women working in the industry are exempt. You know who else has taken a lot of flak in that area? Barbie, that’s who. Let’s hope the newly-announced Tomb Raider Barbie doll can be a force for good in both areas.

As franchise fans will know, Tomb Raider is very much on people’s radars again these days. The series reboot arrived in 2013, ushering in a new age of Lara. A more human, vulnerable and sympathetic Lara at that. The game and its sequel are more of an origin story sort of affair, heading straight back to the legendary adventurer’s roots. The movie of the same name releases on March 16, and is mostly based on the 2013 title.

Mattel’s newly announced tie-in Barbie doll, in turn, is based on the likeness of Alicia Vikander, the 29-year-old Swedish actress who is the latest to play Lara. As GameSpot reports, this may mark the first time that a Barbie doll has been based on a video game character, though the theme isn’t entirely new for the line. In 2016, Mattel launched a games developer Barbie as part of their ‘Career of the Year’ collection of dolls.

Tomb Raider Barbie Revealed
Via: justpushstart.com

Vikander’s Lara Croft Barbie is available for pre-sale from the official site today, priced at $30. Needless to say, she comes fully equipped with a selection of tomb raiding accessories; a pickax and map among them. The doll was proudly unveiled at yesterday’s Mattel Collector event at the New York Toy Fair, according to IGN, and is sure to win itself some fans when it ships just ahead of the movie.

This is quite a shrewd move from the brand. As they try to distance themselves from talk about negative depictions of women, what more apt role model can the gaming industry offer than Lara Croft?

For a closer look at the doll, you can check out YouTuber Panic Pixie’s unboxing right here.