Lara Croft Joining Call of Duty's Expanding Universe of Playable Characters

The gaming world was taken aback with the recent announcement that the legendary treasure hunter, Lara Croft of Tomb Raider fame, will soon be a playable character in Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare II. This crossover adds to the growing roster of real-world and fictional personalities making their way into Call of Duty's warzones. Prior to this, the franchise welcomed real-life celebrities such as Nicki Minaj and Snoop Dogg, as well as fictional characters from Amazon Prime's series The Boys, among others.

The move signifies a pivotal moment in gaming, highlighting how franchises are willing to cross boundaries for enriched gaming experiences. It also speaks volumes about the ongoing transformation of Call of Duty, once a strictly military-focused shooter, now evolving into an expansive universe that blends elements from a diverse range of pop culture references.

Unlocking the Tomb Raider and What's Next

While Activision remains tight-lipped on how players can unlock or purchase Lara Croft in-game, it's speculated that she might be part of a paid bundle. This would be similar to how Nicki Minaj was made available to players, as part of a $10 season 5 battle pack. Along with the character, fans can probably expect themed items, skins, and potentially even Lara Croft's signature dual-wielded pistols to be part of the initial package.

Speculation is rife that Lara Croft will make her official Call of Duty debut in an upcoming mid-season update for season 5. Gamers are keenly awaiting more details, with the Call of Duty community buzzing with anticipation for further announcements.

The Expanding Horizons of Iconic Franchises

While fans eagerly wait for the specifics, it's worth noting that both franchises have major developments on the horizon. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is slated for a November release, offering a fresh installment in the long-running series. On the Tomb Raider side, developer Crystal Dynamics, in partnership with Amazon, recently announced a new Tomb Raider game built using Unreal Engine 5. Amazon is also reportedly working on a Tomb Raider TV series.

As these iconic franchises continue to expand and evolve, their willingness to form innovative partnerships like this one could very well signal a new, collaborative era in the gaming world. It leaves one wondering, what other crossovers could be on the horizon? And how will these partnerships redefine what it means to be a fan of these long-standing series?