Grand Theft Auto 6 is no stranger to controversy, as the franchise has built its reputation on exactly that. While the extended look fans got on Netflix gave them plenty to be excited about come November, some may view this game in an entirely new light. Recently, an uptick in concerned partners has stated they will not allow their partner to play the game because of its in-game romance mechanic.
Love is in the Air
During the extended look for GTA 6 on Netflix, fans got an in-depth look at the relationship between the game’s protagonists, Lucia and Jason. In this preview, there was no shortage of steamy moments between the two, and it’s safe to assume there will be more. But Rockstar themselves have been keen on stressing the fact that while the opportunity is there to engage in a romantic relationship between the characters, it is totally up to the player.
During an interview with IGN, Rob Nelson, the head of development and co-studio head at Rockstar North, explained the choice to make Jason and Lucia’s relationship important to the story in a context sense versus impacting gameplay: “The narrative is structured in such a way that the circumstances they find themselves in require them to stay together for most of the story and work together. At the very least, they will get through most things as partners in crime,” Nelson stated.
Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eater
On TikTok, a ton of people have come forward to voice their opinion on the matter, outright exclaiming that their partners are forbidden to play Grand Theft Auto 6. “In absolutely no human way is my fiancé playing GTA 6,” said TikToker Shelby Haas. “You literally have to maintain a relationship with a girl in the video game and text her, and she’ll get mad if you don’t text her back. You have to take her on dates, and you can have [sex] with her. Don’t let your boyfriend, fiancé, or husband play GTA 6.”
There has also been some opposition to this discourse, with some simply stating that Grand Theft Auto 6 is just a video game and it’s not that serious. People have also brought up the fact that millions of people play The Sims, where you engage in various adult acts and start families.
Loves Me Not
The replies to this story have spawned some heated debates within various forums and comment sections. Let us not forget that romancing various video game protagonists has been present in practically all RPGs since their inception. Grand Theft Auto 6 is the caveat in the grand (pun intended) scheme of things because it is arguably the biggest video game release of all time, paired with the attention of mainstream society.
Personally, I find it silly that someone feels threatened by a collection of pixels on a screen. But I can also see how that time and effort one would put forth towards romancing in GTA 6 could be allocated to someone in real life. So with that being said, if you plan on picking up GTA 6 in November, maybe buy your significant other some flowers on your ride back home from the store.
