Worldwide reaction to Lara Croft Way decision
GAMING websites as far afield as America and Russia have been reacting to news that a stretch of Derby road will be named after cyber icon Lara Croft.
Votes from thousands of computer enthusiasts worldwide helped the video-game character top a poll to name part of Derby's new inner ring road.
-
Lara Croft
The gun-toting adventurer was the star of Tomb Raider, a series originally developed by Derby-based Core Design.
The decision was revealed by Derby City Council yesterday , and quickly spread across the internet, with hundreds of articles, blogs and forums discussing the news. Lara Croft Way will be used for one part of the ring road, with Mercian Way the preferred choice for the second stretch in the online poll.
The gaming section of one website – Gadgetrepublic.com – wrote: "You know computer games have gone mainstream when the public demand to have a road named after one.
"But do not worry, the locals have not gone completely barmy or computer games obsessed: Lara Croft is in fact a local."
Steve Donaldson, manager of Game in the Westfield centre, said it was not a surprise the video-game heroine was such a popular choice.
He said: "I'm really pleased that Lara Croft Way was so popular and why not?
"Gaming is such a big part of our culture and Lara Croft is no doubt a celebrity in her own right – her games are still popular after more than 10 years.
"She is linked to the area and I think people are proud of that and, who knows, it may pull more people into Derby."
Nearly 28,000 of 30,000 votes were cast for Lara Croft Way, while Mercian Way, after Derbyshire's Army regiment, received 1,570 votes.
They were among eight names short-listed by city council officials for the £36m ring road.
Lara Croft Way will be used to name the Osmaston Road to Burton Road stretch, with Mercian Way becoming the Burton Road to Stafford Street link.
Ian Neal, a partner of chartered accountant Bates Weston, backed the little-known computer game firm in the early-1990s.
He said: "No-one could have then foreseen how big Lara Croft was going to become but I have no doubt now her name will continue to live on.
"A generation has grown up with Lara and, given that the poll was open worldwide, it's no surprise Lara Croft Way was such a popular choice."
The Mercian Regiment, meanwhile, has links to Derbyshire dating back to the 19th century. It evolved from the 95th Regiment to the Sherwood Foresters, then to the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, before becoming the Mercians.
Bob Prophet, assistant regimental secretary of The Mercian Regiment, said the decision to choose Mercian Way was fantastic news.
He said: "We are delighted this new road has been named in recognition of the regiment's link to the city.
"It's a lovely surprise considering the stiff competition the name faced but it really is an honour.
"I'm sure soldiers past and present will be very pleased to hear the news."
John Forkin, of Marketing Derby, said: "Both names feel right and have a modern, appropriate feel to them."
Other ideas for road names included Merlin Way, Eagle Way, Steve Bloomer Way, John Flamsteed Way, Griffon Way and Sorocold Way.
30 Comments
View all
by Stephen, Derby
Saturday, February 27 2010, 1:42PM
“Dawn it seems to me that in accepting the results many people (including you) are also accepting that the end justifies the means. In a democratic and free society such processes are totally unaceptable as a method of good governance. A gradual erosion of democracy leads eventually to the tacit acceptance of human rights abuses. Who will stop this?......apparently not you, you will just accept things as being beyond your influence and therefore not your concern.”
by Dawn, Derby
Saturday, February 27 2010, 1:31PM
“Stephen -
Since when did the council (with whichever party in charge), do what the local electorate wanted ?
But then why should they, when the majority can't be bothered to get off their backsides and vote in the elections in the first place.
These councillors are a law unto themselves, with big egos.
I'm surprised the roads weren't called Skelton St, Williamson Way or Care Crescent.
I understand what peoples gripe is but I'm happy with both choices - whoever made them.”
by Joystig, USA
Saturday, February 27 2010, 1:06PM
“Derby Councillor Lucy Care chalked up Croft's 89-percent margin of victory to the fact that the Tomb Raider series was conceived by the now defunct, Derby-based studio Core Design. We personally think the name won because the poll was on the internet, where video game fans could easily flood the ballot box. Yes, you named a road in a town in the U.K. that you'll probably never visit. We live in very, very strange times, friends. And it's kind of amazing.”
by Chris, Derby
Saturday, February 27 2010, 1:02PM
“Dave, Steve Bloomer Way was in the hat, (did you vote for him?) Reading gaming blog sites and some comments that read along the lines of "who are these people?" and They're dead aren't they?, not "cool" and Lara Croft is the only name - etc. Some gamers are hoping Derby will have things like Sonic Hedgehog Park and other nonsense, this shows the type of people who have abused the system to get what they wanted - Just for a laugh!”
by Stephen, Derby
Saturday, February 27 2010, 12:58PM
“Chris, thanks for giving that explanation for the benefit of Angela.........Yes, that is exactly what I meant but she failed to see it.”