Grand Theft Auto V was developed by Rockstar Games and published by Take 2 Interactive on September 17, 2013. It was originally released on the PS3 and Xbox 360, but it has since been ported to the PS4, Xbox One, and PC. There are even rumors of an upcoming port to the Nintendo Switch (although those rumors have yet to be substantiated).
GTAV is easily one of the most popular games on Earth and it is infamously M-rated for violence, sexual content, etc. Even when you consider its legendary place as a mature game I STILL get questions about whether or not people should let their kids play.
So, without further delay, here is my answer to the question: Is Grand Theft Auto V ok for kids?
First, I want to refer folks to the ESRB. They rate is as M for Mature and have given it the following rating summary:
In this open-world action game, players assume the role of three criminals whose storylines intersect within the fictional city of Los Santos. Players can switch between each character to follow his storyline, completing missions which often include criminal activities (e.g., stealing cars, executing heists, assassinating targets). Players use pistols, machine guns, sniper rifles, and explosives to kill various enemies (e.g., rival gang members); players also have the ability to shoot non-adversary civilians, though this may negatively affect players’ progress as a penalty system triggers a broad police search. Blood-splatter effects occur frequently, and the game contains rare depictions of dismemberment. In one sequence, players are directed to use various instruments and means (e.g., pipe wrench, tooth removal, electrocution) to extract information from a character; the sequence is intense and prolonged, and it involves some player interaction (i.e., responding to on-screen prompts). The game includes depictions of sexual material/activity: implied fellatio and masturbation; various sex acts that the player’s character procures from a prostitute—while no nudity is depicted in these sequences, various sexual moaning sounds can be heard. Nudity is present, however, primarily in two settings: a topless lap dance in a strip club and a location that includes male cult members with exposed genitalia in a non-sexual context. Within the game, TV programs and radio ads contain instances of mature humor: myriad sex jokes; depictions of raw sewage and feces on a worker’s body; a brief instance of necrophilia (no nudity is depicted). Some sequences within the larger game allow players to use narcotics (e.g., smoking from a bong, lighting a marijuana joint); cocaine use is also depicted. Players’ character can, at various times, consume alcohol and drive while under the influence. The words “f**k,” “c*nt,” and “n**ger” can be heard in the dialogue.
As you can see, GTAV is full of content that is inappropriate for kids.
To put my answer another way:
What do you think? Am I wrong? Let me know in the comments!
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