GTA 6 boss shuts down release controversy: ‘I’m not worried’

The Grand Theft Auto franchise has always found itself mired in the swamps of controversy, despite the insistence of professionals stating that games do not make people into violent criminals.

As we ramp up to the release of GTA VI, discussion will, once again, revolve around the levels of violence and crime found within the game.

For the love of God, give us another GTA 6 trailer

This is a discussion that has been yawning on for many years, as once upon a time newspaper headlines spouted that GTA corrupts the youth of today.

In a recent interview with CNBC, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick was asked about the game’s violent crimes and whether he sees them impact the world.

In reply, Zelnick stated he was, “not worried.”

The CEO continued, “To be clear: entertainment doesn’t create behaviour, entertainment reflects behaviour.”

Take-Two, the parent company of Rockstar Games, isn’t concerned with how others feel about their games.

After all, it’s art, and art can reflect violence, much like books and films do.

Zelnick commented, “Entertainment gives people an opportunity to release feelings, engage in feelings, entertainment tells stories. The notion [that] entertainment creating behaviour has been tested and disproved over and over again.”

It’s great to see this stand from the CEO - of course, games are interactive, but that doesn’t mean that when a player joins in with a violent action they have the real world intent.

“When you watch TV and movies from any time [period] they’re very realistic looking, so I’m not worried about photorealistic video games,” Zelnick reiterated.

GTA VI will finally see the light of day later this year, quite likely in the Autumn, before Borderlands 4 makes its debut, also from Take-Two.

The latest instalment in the franchise will see players control two protagonists who appear to live a Bonnie and Clyde type of love affair.