Grand Theft Auto V (GTA5) is a highly popular and critically acclaimed open-world game developed by Rockstar Games. The game has been popular since its release in 2013 and continues to be one of the bestselling games in recent years. Despite its popularity, the game has faced difficulties being available on certain retail platforms, including Taobao in China. Although there are many pirated copies available, the legal sale of new versions of the game on Taobao has stopped due to censorship issues. This article looks at why GTA5 is so popular, how the game presents itself, and what makes it controversial and so well-loved.
To understand the popularity of GTA5, we first need to look at the game itself. The game is set in a fictional town named Los Santos, based on Los Angeles, and features a vast and detailed open world for players to explore. Players assume the roles of three different characters, each with their unique perspective and storylines, and can engage in various criminal activities, such as heists or other illicit operations. This open-world game usually takes between 30 to 40 hours to complete, but the game offers far more for those who want to continue exploring beyond the primary storyline.
One key thing that sets GTA5 apart from other games is the realism in the game’s graphics and mechanics. The game’s developers spent a lot of time creating a visually stunning open-world environment that is convincing and immersive. The cityscape is incredibly detailed, and the NPCs have realistic facial animations, making it easier to identify with them. Moreover, the game also features a real-world radio show, which is quite entertaining, and the music selection is top-notch.
Another significant reason why GTA5 is so popular is the game’s limitless feel. Players can approach missions in multiple and unique ways, allowing gamers to become fully engrossed in the storylines they choose to create. Gamers can work together with other players online or explore the game on their own, creating their experiences in new and exciting ways.
However, despite the game’s critical success and popularity globally, it has faced censorship issues in China. The Chinese government censors games that do not adhere to the country’s standards of values, and GTA5 was ultimately deemed unfit for ‘public consumption’ in China. As a result, Taobao is amongst the retail platforms that are prohibited from offering the game for sale. However, this hasn’t stopped gamers from getting their hands on the game through alternative sources such as pirated copies. This aspect of the game’s censorship has left many fans disappointed, and they continue to pressure the Chinese government to lift its ban on GTA5.
To conclude, the combination of a detailed open-world environment, engaging storyline, realistic graphics, and gameplay mechanics make GTA5 appealing and enjoyable for gamers globally. Despite its popular appeal, the game’s content and graphical nature have faced scrutiny from some groups who feel that it promotes immoral behaviour. Nonetheless, there is no denying that Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most popular and entertaining games available today. Although gamers cannot purchase the game legally on Taobao, one can still explore the game through other sources and experience all that it has to offer.
