One GTA 6 Screenshot May Respark Most Polarizing Controversies

According to GameRant, fans have spotted a non-playable character who appears to be a minor in the “Grassriver 02” screenshot. Apparently, “when zoomed in, a child-like character can be seen on the right side, sitting at a table with two adult NPCs–likely suggesting they’re the parents.”

The Controversy

The Grand Theft Auto series has never included child NPCs outside of a few minors in cutscenes. While including child NPCs would definitely contribute to the series’ realism, it would also open up controversy. The series is known for its M-rated violence, sexual content, and language. Players can engage in violent behaviors towards NPCs, and the ability to do so to children might be too controversial even for the Grand Theft Auto series.

However . . .

On the other hand, what if the game were programmed so that you couldn’t harm children? If GTA 6 included a block on committing violence towards minors, perhaps that would lessen the controversy. Of course, given that the protagonists are violent criminals, merely being able to talk to children might be seen as inappropriate. In addition, fans are used to having the freedom to do whatever they want in Grand Theft Auto games. Giving children a shield from violent behavior might break the game’s immersion.

Grand Theft Auto and Controversy

The Grand Theft Auto series has never strayed from controversy, and GTA 6 will likely be no different. There will probably be people complaining that the series promotes violence and sexually immoral behavior, but Rockstar Games is used to that. Bringing children into the game, however, might slide too far into tastelessness.

Conclusion

We can only wait and see if children are included in GTA 6. Perhaps Rockstar will remove the supposed child NPC before the game’s release, or perhaps children will be mere distance figures you can’t interact with. Whatever the case, people will likely be discussing this detail for a while.