How Grand Theft Auto V gets away with murder
The week of Grand Theft Auto V's launch could have been a controversy cash-in for the publicity lovers at Rockstar Games. The game's checklist of features reads like Tipper Gore's personal hell: savage murders, psychotic heroes, strip clubs, an interactive torture sequence, and enough swears and offensive terms to do George Carlin proud.
And, the day before the game's launch, a man shot up a Navy yard in Washington DC. Shortly afterward, reporters dug up comments from acquaintances about the shooter's predilection for “violent video games.” We've seen where that combination can lead.
Yet largely, GTA V has been denied its relatively worthy spot on the pop-culture controversy throne. Its most unsavory bits didn't budge Miley Cyrus' twerking off of any trending lists, even as the game raked in billions.
