Gamers Are Already Complaining that GTA VI is “Woke”
Grand Theft Auto 6, the latest installment in the iconic video game series, has been unveiled to an eagerly awaiting audience. However, its “progressive” approach (whatever that means) has sparked controversy among some gamers.
The debut trailer for GTA 6, set against the vibrant backdrop of Vice City, has garnered an impressive 67 million views and 7.5 million likes within its first day. The game's diverse cast, including a female protagonist and a significant presence of Black characters, has been a point of contention for a portion of the gaming community.
Commentary and Backlash
The inclusion of diverse characters led to various reactions online. A notable YouTube comment read, "This is white replacement theory," while another voiced surprise at the absence of white characters in the trailer. These remarks ignore the fact that Vice City, inspired by Miami, reflects the real-world diversity of the area. According to the US Census, Miami's population is culturally varied, with a significant number of Black and Hispanic residents.
Social Media Reactions
Online platforms have seen varied responses to GTA 6's casting choices. Twitter user @DAKKADAKKA1 expressed fatigue with a post featuring Black characters from the game. Kommander Karl, a YouTuber and TikToker, countered this sentiment, questioning, "Seeing Black people in a video game is tiresome for you?"
Subreddit Moderation
The series' dedicated subreddit has been proactive in moderating discussions, removing comments deemed inappropriate or racially insensitive. For example, a comment questioning the predominance of Black characters was swiftly downvoted and removed.
Controversy Over Representation
In addition to racial representation, the game's portrayal of other characters, including those perceived as overweight and the Latina protagonist, has attracted criticism. Some players used derogatory terms due to the game's romantic storyline, inspired by the legendary duo Bonnie & Clyde. A debate also emerged regarding the portrayal of propaganda in the game, with one fan highlighting the presence of Black characters in previous GTA titles.
Rumors and Speculations
Speculation about the protagonist's gender identity has been a hot topic, following a tweet from DramaAlert suggesting the character Lucia might be transgender. This claim, based on an unsubstantiated Reddit post, led to widespread discussions and attempts to find evidence from Lucia's appearance.
Community Response
Despite these divisive reactions, a significant part of the gaming community has been vocal in dismissing these negative comments and rumors. As @FakeJordxn_ tweeted, challenging those uncomfortable with diverse representation in gaming: "So people are suggesting the new GTA protagonist is trans and people are losing their minds. I’m just here to say that if you’re more comfortable [playing as] Trevor Phillips than you are a trans person, reevaluate yourself."
The overwhelming number of likes on the trailer suggests that the broader response to GTA 6 has been one of excitement and anticipation. The game's inclusive approach, while contentious for some, aligns with the evolving landscape of video gaming and the industry's move towards greater representation and diversity.
