The internet just can’t get enough of Grand Theft Auto 6, but it appears that not everyone is reveling in the celebration and excitement, Among them is Elon Musk, the proud owner of X, formerly known as Twitter.
The tech mogul recently expressed his distaste for the controversial franchise, particularly because of the game’s blatant depiction of frame.
Musk’s remarks came in response to a Twitter employee’s comment about not having played any GTA games. He stated, “Tried, but didn’t like doing crime. GTA5 required shooting police officers in the opening scene. Just couldn’t do it.” This response has sparked a variety of reactions from audiences and social media users, ranging from surprise to humor.
It’s even got the conspiracists putting on their tinfoil hats, saying that Musk is the reason why Rockstar Games initially refused to release the official GTA 6 trailer on the social media platform, which has since been ratified.
The release of the GTA 6 trailer itself was a drama-filled saga with unexpected turns. Rockstar Games initially planned to unveil the trailer early on a Tuesday. However, a leak on Monday afternoon forced the company to release the trailer on YouTube much earlier than planned. The leak led to a whirlwind of events, including public requests from X/Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino for Rockstar to post the trailer on their platform.
Tried, but didn’t like doing crime. GTA5 required shooting police officers in the opening scene. Just couldn’t do it.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 5, 2023
Despite the still-ongoing buzz surrounding the official GTA 6 trailer, which quickly gained over 20 million impressions on X, Musk’s comments have added an interesting dimension to the conversation.
His admission of discomfort with the game’s criminal elements stands in stark contrast with his public persona and recent controversial actions. Case in point, his endorsement of an antisemitic conspiracy theory – and that one time he went in guns blazing, requesting CD Projekt RED to add him into Cyberpunk 2077 in a cameo role.
GTA 6 is set to be released in 2025 and will feature Vice City, a fictional representation of Miami, as its setting. The game promises to be the most immersive evolution of the series yet, but Musk’s stance suggests that its violent content might continue to be divisive.
Then again, judging by these interesting details we spotted on the GTA 6 trailer, it doesn’t seem like Rockstar cares a lot about toning things down. If anything, Rockstar is leaning into the absurdness of the franchise and its fictional setting. Then again, it’s a tall task to try and outdo its real-life inspiration, Florida.
Rockstar Games’ handling of the GTA 6 trailer is further proof of the complexities of marketing major gaming titles in today’s digital age. The incident with the leak, followed by Musk’s comments, demonstrates how social media platforms and high-profile individuals can significantly influence public perception and discussion around major gaming releases.
Despite the understandably mixed reactions online, the anticipation for GTA 6, which might come out on April 1, 2025, remains high. The trailer has set new records for views and has generated intense discussion and speculation among fans. The game’s introduction of a female protagonist, Lucia, and the return to the iconic Vice City, are among the aspects that have particularly captured the interest of the entire internet.
While GTA 6 has undoubtedly made a significant impact with its trailer release, not everyone is a fan of its content and approach. Elon Musk’s comments reflect a broader debate about the depiction of violence in video games and its impact on players.
As the release date approaches, it will be interesting to see how these discussions evolve and how they might influence the reception of one of the most anticipated games in recent history.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is reportedly planned to be bundled with the still-rumored PlayStation 5 Pro.
