Video Games – GTA

Probably one of the most controversial games of all time has been the Grand Theft Auto series, also developed by Rockstar Games.  Grand Theft Auto, or GTA, was originally released in 1997.  There was a format change beginning with GTA 3 which was released in 2001.  GTA has been highly scrutinized for the actions allowed in the game.  Aside from the story and missions of the game, players can spend hours exploring the city.  Players earn skills, points, and money for stealing cars, assaulting, robbing, and/or killing innocent civilians, picking up hookers, and killing police officers.  Stealing a police car, ambulance, or fire truck unlocks side missions which are necessary for 100% completion of the game.

In 2004, Rockstar games released Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and introduced gang life to millions of people who may have never been exposed to this lifestyle.  I’m not sure who the creators of the game consulted, but the lengths that were taken to mirror real life gangs are pretty amazing. 



CJ

When the game starts, the main character, known as CJ, moves back to this fictional city after the murder of his mother.  He is quickly drawn back into his gang.  The game allows for customization of tattoos and bandanas on the player, and includes some styles that are highly recognized as gang identifiers.  Early missions involve spray painting over rival gang graffiti, recruiting more gang members, taking over rival territories, and drive-by shootings.    Later missions involve working with crooked police, harvesting marijuana, killing music producers, and operating casinos. 

Going back to the detail involved in the game, here is the list of gangs in the game

Grove Street

• Grove Street Families – CJ’s gang with members named Sweet, Ryder, and Big Smoke
• The Ballas – a rival black gang, who have a subset named Rollin Heights
• Varios Los Aztecas – a Mexican gang
• Los Santos Vagos – a Mexican gang
• San Fierro Rifa – Involved in international drug trade
• Triads – Chinese gangs in the Chinatown version of the game.    



The Ballas

• One of them is named the Red Gecko Tong
• Da Nang Boys – a Vietnamese gang who control the docks
• The Mafia – 3 mob families ran by the Leone, Sindacco, and  Forelli’s.  They control the casinos.

 Over 20 million copies of this game were sold across the various gaming platforms.  While many adult males enjoy the game, there are many teen and pre-teen boys and girls who spent hours playing this game.  Many of my son’s friends had the game and he often would ask why I didn’t let him play it when his friends could (another story for another day). 

Parents – monitor what games your children are playing.  If they ask for a specific title, look into it. Search the game online and especially on Youtube for ideas of what will happen in the game.  Set and enforce the appropriate boundaries for your home.  While the game might be very fun, it can also introduce negativity.