- Mainstream media has begun to show concerns about GTA 6 causing violence as the game’s release approaches.
- Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick disagrees with this notion.
- He states that plenty of violence is already depicted in movies and other entertainment, with neither being responsible for specific behaviors.
The topic of violence in gaming and its impacts has been brought up frequently since the industry exploded in popularity. While first-person shooters like Call of Duty are often the subject of unfair criticism in this regard, one franchise has always had it worse than the rest.
Grand Theft Auto’s themes make it an easy target for those arguing in favor of games causing violence, and with GTA 6 coming later this year, the subject has been raised yet again. In a recent response, the Take-Two CEO has argued that this should not be a concern.
Why it matters: Violence is so commonly associated with games that the president of Brazil previously deemed them responsible for breeding violent behavior.
GTA 6 is confirmed to be focusing on a Bonnie and Clyde-style narrative with plenty of crime, as one would expect from an entry in the Grand Theft Auto IP.
This focus led to the subject of violence coming up in a recent CNBC interview, but Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick was quick to dismiss concerns. He pointed out that no type of entertainment, whether it be games or movies, causes certain kinds of behaviors.
As per the CEO, entertainment tells stories and allows people to engage in their feelings. Therefore, Strauss Zelnick is not concerned about GTA 6 causing violence in any way.
To be clear: entertainment does not create behavior.
-Strauss Zelnick
Rockstar Games’ history shows that GTA 6 will sell millions of units immediately after it arrives. While there’s no denying that similar debates regarding the game will likely show up again, plenty of evidence suggests that no relationship exists between violent behavior and the entertainment industry.
As Strauss Zelnick puts it, even very realistic depictions of violence in movies don’t influence such behavior, leaving little concern about GTA 6.
What are your thoughts on the CEO’s opinion? Let us know in the comments, and follow this link to the Tech4Gamers Forums for more in-depth discussions.
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[News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than three years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.