Grand Theft Auto 5 has attracted some criticism for its violence, a quality engrained in the series for over a decade. The voice actors behind the three playable characters for the new game recently spoke to PC Advisor about the controversy, and they had some interesting points to make about the nature of the game.
Ned Luke, who portrays Michael de Santa in the game, points to the troubles his character has in his life as a counterargument for those who claim the game glorifies violence, and criticized those who put down the game without playing it first:
"Anyone who has any conception at all about the games and hasn't played them should go play the games before they open their mouths...The biggest misconception is that it glamorizes violence. It really doesn't. If you look at my character, Michael, he's rich, but he's a miserable man. Even in the commercials you see that. This is a guy who's struggling with his life's decisions."
Luke also explained that he does not allow his 11-year-old to play the game, because of the game's adult nature.
Steven Ogg, who plays one of the more immoral characters in the game, Trevor, had some harsh words for critics and said he feels as though critics should focus on bigger real world issues rather than a game made for adults:
"The hypocrisy drives me crazy...It just sets the wrong focus. Why not talk about gun control? Why not talk about parenting? Why not talk of lack of family values? There are so many other things to talk about."
Shawn Fonteno, the man who plays Franklin, believes that critics fail to make the distinction between games for children and games for adults, and because of this they think the mature Grand Theft Auto 5 is targeted towards kids instead of those who can understand the themes of the game:
"People already have it in their mind that GTA is for kids because it's a game. Then they hear about the violence and they're instantly going to attack because it's a game. Now, if it was a movie it would be a different story and these same people would be out there supporting it. GTA V is like a movie. Once they get the game in their hands, they'll see. It says it big as day--Mature. It's not for the kids to go get. It's for Mature audiences only. If kids get it, then that's on their parents."