The information that is emerging about GTA 6, no matter how minimal, will always generate conversation among the millions of players who eagerly await it. After all, almost 10 years have passed since the release of the previous installment – the first of many versions, of course. However, the report published yesterday by Bloombergand signed by the ever reliable Jason Schreier, have turned the expectations that many had of the game.
With every release of Grand Theft Auto, novelties are introduced in multiple sections. The setting changes; we meet new characters with their own narrative; there are new mechanics that complement the already known gameplay and, of course, a notable technical leap is made to become the new exponent of the industry. Yes, many things can change, but there is one element that has distinguished the franchise for much of its history and that, until GTA 5had remained intact: his controversial identity.
According to the aforementioned medium, GTA 6 It will adapt to modern times in terms of the treatment of various topics of social interest. Remember how previous titles have made some offensive jokes about various social sectors? Well, forget about that because it’s not going to happen anymore; at least not with those who are insensitive to marginalized groups. This would be just one of the movements with which they intend to clean up that controversial image that the franchise has historically had.
Certainly the world has changed too much since grand theft auto 5 saw the light. Today, the entertainment industry is very careful when dealing with social issues and problems. However, if there was a product that ignored what some call “imposed agenda”, it was GTA.
And it is not about criticizing the fact that Rockstar Games and Take-Two (owner of the studio) want to show respect for marginalized groups through a video game, but that they are somehow going to alter the identity that catapulted the franchise towards the highest. And it is that Grand Theft Auto is, in a general concept, a satire of the current world —especially from the United States. One that, by the way, has never focused his teasing on certain groups. In fact, attack anyone without distinction; from individuals to organizations.
The precedent that marked a path for GTA 6
Should we be surprised that GTA 6 follow a different path? Not at all. Although I personally thought Grand Theft Auto At no time would I give in to social criticism —because these arise after the release of each installment—, everything changed just a few months ago. Rockstar Games took advantage of the release of the version next-gen of GTA 5 for realize slight adjustments to avoid stereotyping and making fun of some NPCs (non-playable characters) of the LGBTQIA+ community. The precedent was set from that moment.
This as a result of a letter published by Out Making Games, in which it was mentioned that GTA 5 could lead to trans people being mocked and attacked. “Given the cultural impact that GTA 5 Worldwide, Rockstar Games has a social responsibility to its players (many of whom may be LGBTQIA+), its staff and society at large not to promote violence against trans and gender diverse people,” the document said.
The thing here is, if Rockstar really did care about some kind of social responsibility based on politically correct guidelines, Grand Theft Auto would have to cease to exist. Beyond the jokes mentioned above, the franchise also deals with issues of an adult nature such as violence, shootings, robberies, prostitution, drug use and distribution, among many others that you probably already know.
Because if you think that a joke on GTA against an outcast group is meant to boost the attack on it in the real world, what does it mean when a mission proposes to rob a bank, get 6 wanted stars, and then emerge victorious from the chase? As long as you don’t understand Grand Theft Auto like the parody that it is, with GTA 6 the controversy will expand to other areas.
GTA is not there to impart education
The big question that arises at this time is: Are Take-Two and Rockstar Games going to give in to any controversy that, in their opinion, could harm the image of GTA 6 and the franchise in general? To be honest, I do not think that GTAnor any other video game, has a responsibility to educate its players about what is right and what is wrong.
Although today many entertainment products are used to transmit messages in favor of a social good, a satire game like Grand Theft Autowhich is also aimed at an adult audience, does not lend itself to giving morality lessons to anyone. One of the Rockstar developers interviewed by Bloomberg mentioned that GTA it can no longer be satirized because America is already a satire of itself. Although I agree with the second point, at the moment I cannot visualize what it would be like GTA 6 without the component that helped build the identity of the franchise.
Some might think that, due to the myriad of problems the world is going through today, there is no longer any room for satire through the fictional stories of the entertainment industry. However, on the table we can put as an example one of the most popular series today: TheBoys. Amazon original content is often politically incorrect on many issues; a blatant mockery of American society and of a system governed, in many cases, by double standards.
Like GTA at the time, TheBoys does not direct his taunts towards specific groups. He mocks any thinking being that is part of society, no matter who they are. Has there been criticism for your tone? Of course, but none has caused those responsible to consider changing the essence of the series. On the other hand, his audience is aware that he is consuming a satire, so they are exposed to comments or situations that could be uncomfortable.
I do not want to venture to say that GTA 6 it will be a bad or disappointing delivery; the reality is that Rockstar still does not show us anything. However, we had better get used to the idea that It will no longer be that game that ventured to satirize all kinds of complex issues without fearing the consequences. Therefore, she will be relinquishing a part of her identity. Whether that will affect the franchise in the short or long term remains to be seen…