Former Twitch Program Manager and the founder of Brown Girl Gamer Code Brandii Hooker claims the yetis in Tomb Raider I-III Remastered are an example of “Associating blackness with monstrosity.”
A yeti celebrates after killing Lara Croft in Tomb Raider II (1997), Core Design
Brandii Hooker shared her thoughts on X when she reacted to Crystal Dynamics trigger warning that accuses the games of “offensive depictions.”
The trigger warning reads, “The games in this collection contain offensive depictions of people and cultures rooted in racial and ethnic prejudices. These stereotypes are deeply harmful, inexcusable, and do not align with our values at Crystal Dynamics.”
It adds, “Rather than removing this content, we have chosen to present it here in its original form, unaltered, in the hopes that we may acknowledge its harmful impact and learn from it.”
Tomb Raider I-III Remastered trigger warning
Hooker reacted to the trigger warning writing, “Folks upset about this statement are likely not apart of the groups depicted w/harmful stereotypes / cultural prejudices. Check your privilege. I love Tomb Raider but I’ve also discussed its criticisms in my streams. Particularly the tribesman in TR3 and the Yeti in TR2.”
Brandi H. on X
She added, “..And the monks in TR2. You can love something & look at it through a critical lens, acknowledging its faults & the harm it may cause for people who are different than you. Yall really do lack the understanding of nuance & have a hard time not centering your own experiences.”
Brandi H. on X
One user reacted to her comments stating that the game has “aged horribly” and is actually discriminatory. “Quick question, what’s wrong with the Yeti? Aren’t they just scary snow creatures or am I missing something?”
Brandii Hooker responded, “It’s the design choice to put locs / braids on the Yeti, with how significant the hair style is in Black culture and how it’s often depicted in video games / media. A common stereotype in media is associating Blackness with monstrosity etc.”
Brandii H. on X
Various cultures and peoples throughout history have worn their hair in that fashion. Nevertheless, it is not surprising that Hooker would make these types of comments. Not only is she a former Twitch Program Manager, but as noted above she’s also the founder of “Brown Girl Gamer Code,” who’s mission is to “advocate for Representation, Equity, and Opportunity for marginalized identities in the Gaming and Tech Industries. In the face of rampant toxicity, exclusion, and being undervalued, WE. RESIST.”
Brown Girl Gamer Code Mission
Her LinkedIn profile also indicates her entire career is based on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
It reads, “I am a strategic and innovative Producer, Community and Program Manager with 6+ years of efficient project delivery of impactful programming in technology, gaming, and DE+I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with diverse teams across various industries, from tech startups to multinational corporations.”
A Yeti celebrates after killing Lara Croft in Tomb Raider II (1997), Core Design
What do you make of Hooker’s comments regarding the yetis from Tomb Raider I-III Remastered?
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