British billion-dollar babe breaks record

Lara Croft has stolen the title of most successful human videogame heroine in the world in the Guinness World Records.

Guinness World Records said it was making the award because the star of the Tomb Raider series of games had transcended the boundaries of videogames and become a recognisable figure in mainstream society.

“It is fitting that she has been recognised for this remarkable achievement,” said Ian Livingstone OBE, the creative director at Eidos and the man who is credited with discovering Lara back in 1996.

“It is a mark of the phenomenal success of the Tomb Raider series that 10 years after the first game release, Lara Croft is more popular now than ever.”

The title coincides with the launch of a new video game featuring Croft, Tomb Raider: Legend.

The latest game sees Lara making her debut on next-generation consoles, with a version for the Xbox 360.

“The new game Tomb Raider: Legend utilises the very latest capabilities in high definition gaming and Lara looks more stunning than ever before,” said Livingstone.

Tomb Raider games have sold more than 28 million copies worldwide in the past 10 years, and Croft herself has appeared on the cover of over 200 magazines and even appeared onstage with U2.

Since the Tomb Raider icon made her break into the cinema – with Angelina Jolie playing Croft - Tomb Raider licensed products have pulled in more than $1bn (£0.57bn).