As we near GTA 6's 2025 launch, the concern about it inciting real-world violence is back on the table.
The GTA franchise, famous for its crime-heavy themes, regularly comes up in debates about video games and their effect on society. Yet, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick isn't fazed, reiterating that he is "not worried" about the game causing any harm in the real world. During a CNBC interview (via VideoGamer), Zelnick weighed in on the game's violence and its potential to affect real-life actions.
He made it clear he's not bothered by GTA 6 possibly pushing violence, saying entertainment—whether it's games, TV, or movies—just shows what's already out there, not creating it. Zelnick explained, "Entertainment doesn't create behavior; entertainment reflects behavior," emphasizing how these mediums give people a way to express and engage with emotions without dictating their actions. This isn't a new take since the whole violent games causing real-life violence thing has been tested and debunked over and over.
Studies show there's no clear consensus on the impact of violent video games. Some argue there's a small relationship between violent games and aggression, but the data isn't conclusive. According to several experts, there's no definitive proof linking violent video games to real-world violence.
Zelnick pointed out that many TV shows and films feature highly realistic depictions of violence, but these media forms do not face the same level of scrutiny as video games. He referenced the fact that people watch realistic violence in TV shows and movies all the time. Yet, these forms of entertainment are rarely blamed for influencing real-world violence despite their often more graphic depictions of harm.
Since the first Grand Theft Auto dropped in 1997, it's been getting a lot of flak for its crime, violence, and moral ambiguity. However, as Zelnick reminded interviewers, these concerns have always been part of the GTA narrative. Despite the controversies, the GTA franchise has continued to thrive, with GTA 5 becoming one of the best-selling games of all time.
Zelnick argues that Take-Two's biggest challenge isn't the backlash over violence but the increasing pressure to satisfy the ever-rising expectations of GTA fans. As the series continues to grow more realistic, he believes the discourse around violent video games will continue to be a non-issue. As the industry moves forward, it will focus on innovation, creativity, and delivering high-quality entertainment.