It’s the game that shocked and thrilled the world: Grand Theft Auto. Its rise to domination is an incredible story. Rapper Bugzy Malone played it through his hardest times. And he’s going deep.
It’s the game that shocked and thrilled the world: Grand Theft Auto. Its rise to domination is an incredible story. Rapper Bugzy Malone played it through his hardest times. And he’s going deep.
After the success of the first Grand Theft Auto, a second title nearly didn’t happen. Its original label shut its doors – meaning Sam Houser and a group of friends took the chance that would change video gaming forever.
They’d move to New York and begin Rockstar Games: the iconic label that would take GTA into the future. Keen to stamp their identity on the scene, they were poster children for a new generation of video games.
With Grand Theft Auto III, they would ignite a firestorm of criticism that would see them gain true notoriety.
GTA outraged the American political establishment with its depictions of violence toward sex workers and police – yet was a game comparable to any mature movie, with its remarkable new cinematic style.
It all placed Rockstar Games at the pinnacle of game-making cool.
WARNING: This podcast contains adult language, depictions of violence and themes of a sexual nature.
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CREDITS:
Written by Ciaran Tracey and Chris Warburton Presenter: Bugzy Malone Presenter: Chris Warburton Mixing and Mastering: James Bradshaw Assistant Producer: Gabrielle Gatti Additional journalism by Jo Newsholme, Helen Ledwick and Laura Conder
Executive Commissioners for BBC: Richard Maddock and Dylan Haskins Assistant Commissioner: Natalie Mace
The Executive Producer is Ciaran Tracey for Big City Nights