Why is GTA 5 so controversial?

Grand Theft Auto V (Rockstar Games, 2013) is controversial mainly because of its content: graphic violence, a mission in which the player must torture a man, sexual content, drug use, and gameplay built around crime. Its satire of American culture also offends some people, while critics argue its humor sometimes relies on stereotypes.

The main points of controversy

• Violence: players can attack civilians and police freely, and the story missions include brutal shootouts.
• The torture mission: in "By the Book," the player controls Trevor while he tortures a man to extract information. Many reviewers criticized the scene, even though the story frames it as a critique of torture.
• Sexual content: strip clubs, prostitution and sexual references drew criticism, particularly after a petition led some Australian retailers to stop selling the game in 2014.
• Crime as a reward: the game rewards robbery and theft, which critics say glamorizes crime.
• Satire and stereotypes: the game parodies almost every group, and some critics feel women and minorities are portrayed one-dimensionally.
• Age rating: it is rated M (Mature 17+) by the ESRB and 18 by PEGI, yet it remains popular with younger players, which worries parents.

The other side

Supporters point out that GTA V is satire aimed at adults, that the age rating clearly signals its content, and that research has not established that violent games cause real-world violence. The game is also celebrated for its detailed world, three-protagonist story and long-running online mode.

Why it is still so popular

Its huge open world based on Los Angeles and Southern California, its three playable characters, its heists and GTA Online's constant updates have made it one of the best-selling games of all time.

FAQ

What is bad about Grand Theft Auto?

Critics mostly object to the violence, sexual content and treatment of crime as entertainment.

What area is GTA 5 based on?

Los Santos is modeled on Los Angeles, and Blaine County on the surrounding Southern California countryside.

What makes GTA V unique?

You switch between three protagonists, Michael, Franklin and Trevor, whose stories intertwine in large heist missions.

Is GTA 5 suitable for kids?

No. It is rated for adults because of violence, language, sexual content and drug use.