Alex Schuh
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Promotion of Violence or Fantasy Outlet
Alex Schuh
Brief GTA History
• Developed by Rockstar North then DMA Design
– First GTA game released in 1997 for PlayStation and PC
• Series is comprised of 3 games with a fourth in the making
– GTA 3 has 5 subset games including San Andreas
Alex Schuh
Basic Plot of GTA:SA
• Play as CJ
– Play through missions to re-establish families power – Open ended play
• Do what you want when you want • Have to play through missions to unlock map
– Take out former gang members who try to start their own gang
Alex Schuh
Plot (cont.)
• Turf Wars
– Each gang has a turf that can be fought for and won
• Turf can change constantly
• Side Missions
– Increase skills or force an increase in skills – Add to replay value
Alex Schuh
Sinner or Saint?
• Breaks laws to do good (vigilante)
– Fights against drugs – Fights crooked cops – Wants to rebuild neighborhood
• Can be arrested
– 6 stars and you have to deal with the army!!
Alex Schuh
Gangsta or Gangster?
• Creates stereotypical facade
– Slang, homies, drugs, bouncing cars,hoes, etc.
• Expectedtolivelikea“hood”
– Unlawful actions boost respect – Fellow gang members are unorganized
• Some other gangs use strategy
Alex Schuh
More on the Thug life
• Demeans women
– Girlfriends can be treated badly – Option to become a pimp
• Theft is required
– Steal cars to get around
• Clothing
– Wear the items that get the most respect and have most sex appeal
Alex Schuh
Why is it fun?
• Allows gamer to do things they can't in real world
– Like superhero games
• Freedom
– Can do whatever you want(with the help of cheats)
• No consequences...
Alex Schuh
Or are there?
• Can the game have an effect in the real world?
– Desire to steal a car, rob somebody, or even kill
• GTA has real world possibilities
– Superhero games don't
Alex Schuh
Personal Choice
• Consumers choose to purchase this game(and others like it) • There is no proof that it causes violence • Could argue that it an effective way to funnel antisocial behavior
– Steal cars in game world, instead of in real world
Alex Schuh
Controversy
• Since the release of the original, GTA has been a constant in the talks of video game violence • GTA: SA was actually recalled for a short period of time • Has had negative effect on Rockstar North
Alex Schuh
Controversy (cont.)
• Rockstar North now has reputation for releasing violent, antisocial games
– Example : Bully
• GTA ranks in the top of most violent games along with Mortal Kombat and Doom
Alex Schuh
Coffee Anyone?
• Google“HotCoffee” • Was part of original program
– Removed when released but remained in code
• Allowed users to hack game and see sexually explicit content
– I.E. CJ getting it on with a lady friend
Alex Schuh
More Hot Coffee
• This“mod”hascausedthemost controversy in any GTA to date
– GTA:SA was pulled of shelves and re-rated A.O., the first in the series to receive that rating
• The game was later re-released with the hot coffee mod taken out
Alex Schuh
What can be better?
• A way to change the ending based on actions in the game • Less stereotyping • Legal ways to accomplish goals
– Ability to do everything illegally
• Steal clothes instead of having to buy them • Mug people on the streets
Alex Schuh
Conclusion
• San Andreas was a great step towards open ended gaming
– Itallowsthe“other”sideofthe“law”tobe explored
• Took a chance by being controversial • Created new possibilities in gaming
Alex Schuh
Sources
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Theft_ Auto_%28series%29 • http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie =ISO-8859-1&q=hot+coffee • http://www.rockstargames.com/sanandre as/ • a