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Why do people get so weird about Grand Theft Auto?

Reveals and leaks over the last week have made it clear that nothing drives gamers crazier than Rockstar's best-selling franchise.

Why do people get so weird about Grand Theft Auto?

The biggest gaming story over the past week was a series of videos revealing leaks of Grand Theft Auto VI. The hacker responsible posted the videos online, causing a stir a week before the game's Netflix announcement. What made these leaks particularly odd was the reaction they generated from the gaming community. Grand Theft Auto V, released 13 years ago, became the fastest-selling entertainment product in human history, outselling all other games.

Its success has made the upcoming GTA VI a cultural juggernaut, with people obsessively anticipating its release. The leaks, thus, became toxic for the gaming industry, leading to debates about even minor details, such as the inclusion of gas pumps in the game. Despite its sometimes over-the-top humor and satire, GTA games remain popular due to their simple mechanics, vast scope, and the sense of escapism they offer.

Written by urgent.news from The A.V. Club's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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