From the original 1997 top-down crime sim to the massive success of Grand Theft Auto V, the franchise has consistently found itself in the crosshairs of moral panics, celebrity lawsuits, and intense political scrutiny. Despite these constant battles, the series has only continued to grow in popularity.
This retrospective dives into the defining moments of the series’ history, including the infamous “Hot Coffee” scandal, Jack Thompson’s decade-long crusade against Rockstar, and the legal challenges surrounding character portrayals. It’s a wild look at how these controversies helped shape the identity of one of gaming’s biggest juggernauts.