This is exactly what it is. People are reading waaaay too much into it. For starters, Tomb Raider covers and official promotional renders have almost never used the actual in game models. AOD is probably the exception, likely because they didn’t have the time to create a separate CGI model. Even when CGI models are used, artists often paint over them extensively. Just look at LAU covers and renders. Hairstyles, bangs, outfit details, textures and even muscle definition were often drawn or enhanced by hand. One of the most popular TR2013 „renders” shared on X isn’t even a render at all, it’s essentially a painted concept piece. The same applies to the TR4-6 Remastered cover. The art style looks different from the renders the artists released. Sometimes details are painted over to improve the image, create a specific style or hide imperfections. Honestly, the Lara on the steelbook cover looks almost completely painted to me, similar to that TR2013 concept artwork.
Please stop calling everything ai generated before there’s any actual confirmation.
What if they painted over a render where they braid was clipping in the strap🫠