Crystal Dynamics on Tomb Raider reboot: "Lara Croft as a sex object isn’t our goal"

May as well throw out the kitchen sink while you're at it.

Crystal Dynamics' art director Brian Horton has been talking about creating the new Lara Croft for Tomb Raider, where she isn't going to be seen as a "sex object" as far as the studio is going.

"As far as sex appeal, we are always thinking about making a character that people want to play, and part of that is a level of attractiveness and being drawn to Lara," Horton told Game Informer.

"But we don’t want to play up sexuality for sexualities sake. We are constantly talking about context and motivation on this project. If for any reason we wanted to put her in a situation that would be alluring, it isn’t to be alluring. It would be because the situation called for it.

"Lara is a lover of archeology and she has these book smarts. Her brains are another huge part of her sex appeal. She is an attractive girl who doesn’t play up her looks, but she is super smart and she is very ambitious."

Horton added that Croft's "toughness" will ultimately define who she really is

"Ultimately, what I think is going to be compelling about this – and what our version of sexy is – is the toughness through adverse conditions," he said.

"Seeing her survive through these moments. Her skin is still bare on the arms and there are going to be rips and tears on her clothes, but it won’t be about being revealing. It’s a way of saying that through these tough situations, there is a beauty and vulnerability coming through. I think that is sexy in its own way.

"There is a different tone we are going for across the board, and Lara Croft as a sex object isn’t our goal.

"No unlockable bikinis."

Tomb Raider was announced earlier this week with no date, but will release on PS3, 360 and PC.