Japanese Publisher Requested Lara Croft Redesign for Local Appeal

According to Tomb Raider co-creator Paul Douglas, Core Design's Japanese publisher, Victor Interactive Software, requested a modification to Lara Croft's character model to better suit Japanese tastes. Douglas revealed that the publisher's request came late in the game's development, with suggestions for a more manga-inspired design featuring large eyes and other distinct characteristics. Despite the pressure, co-creator Toby Gard resisted altering Lara's appearance, and as a compromise, only the game's manual and guide were changed. The publisher had faxed over their own design ideas, which were ultimately not implemented. The request initially encompassed all in-game and cutscene models but was gradually scaled back to focus solely on Lara's head.