The BBC is developing a new drama about the video game series Grand Theft Auto! The controversial video game, criticised for its inclusion of prostitution, extreme violence and graphic sex, seems like an odd choice for family friendly BBC, but the drama will focus on that game’s production in Britain.
Game developers Rockstar, based in Edinburgh and Leeds, have contributed to the series since its release for Playstation 1 in 1997 which has become a huge commercial success.
The BBC drama will document the story of the creation, and global reaction, to Grand Theft Auto. A BBC spokesman said:
GTA offered gamers the chance to step into a fantasy world where they could behave like criminals, gun down rival gangsters and cops, hijack cars and venture deeper into an imaginary American gangland underworld. But the violent gameplay coupled with its outstanding success led to fierce opposition: from parents worried about children immersing themselves in such a violent world; from politicians, alarmed at the values it encourages; and above all from moral campaigners, who have fought passionately to stop it.
The drama, which is yet to receive and air date, will be shown on BBC Two.
