Grand Theft Auto players have had enough of the GTA V hate
Grand Theft Auto V is still going strong over a decade later, and after the game unfairly gets a lot of hate, fans are rallying around to share their love for the automotive adventure.
17th Jan 2024 11:42
Images via Rockstar Games
Grand Theft Auto players have had enough of the GTA V hate
Grand Theft Auto V is still going strong over a decade later, and after the game unfairly gets a lot of hate, fans are rallying around to share their love for the automotive adventure.
17th Jan 2024 11:42
Images via Rockstar Games
Any game that can still go strong after a decade must be doing something right. After all, you only have to look at the short lifespans of Marvel's Avengers, Apex Legends Mobile, and Radical Heights to see it's not as easy as you'd think to maintain a loyal player base. Yes, we're looking at you, Redfall.
GTA V is the most profitable entertainment product of all time, but at large, it's down to the evolution of GTA Online keeping things fresh with its numerous updates. Even as we look ahead to GTA 6, GTA V is sure to be there and by our side until the last breath. Still, that doesn't take away from the hate the main game gets.
Is GTA V as bad as everyone says?
10 years after Michael, Trevor, and Franklin tooled up for one last job, GTA V hasn't aged particularly well. While transphobic NPCs have been removed and the usual crowd are worried that GTA 6 is going to go "woke", it's fair to say that GTA V isn't exactly Elden Ring when it comes to a complex story.
As the years rumble on and the rose-tinted spectacles slip, there's a sometimes unfair panning of GTA V. Worse than just slamming the sometimes mundane gameplay, others say it lacks any sense of identity when compared to franchise highs like San Andreas, Vice City, and GTA IV.
Over on Reddit, one fan asked us to stop the GTA V hate and spread a little January joy by sharing our favourite parts of the 2013 automotive adventure. Starting simply, the top comment of reasons to love GTA V is the car customisation. There was nothing like pimping your ride and cruising around Los Santos.
When someone else hyped the ability to switch between the three protagonists at will, another added, "Trevor in general is my favorite character in GTA." A third cheered, "It's my personally my favorite game out of the GTA series 🤷🏻♂️ I always get sh*tted on for saying that, but it’s true."
GTA V has some valid criticisms
While we'll defend GTA V to the hilt, thanks to the many memories it's given us, there are some pretty valid complaints. Rockatar has been accused of putting profits over people, which is only emphasised by the deluge of GTA Online updates and the flogging of Shark Cards.
Seeing dollar signs ringing in our eyes, there are also numerous rereleases and upgrades, including 2022's Expanded & Enhanced version. Sticking with the base game, there are grumbles that the oversized map is underused, while interiors don't offer enough.
Mainly, critics seem to have a problem with the general bones of GTA V. Despite a lot of love for each of them, the main three are described as poorly written by some, with no real antagonist to drive things forward. The story is accused of being a rehash of earlier titles, and the harshest critics pan it as being crass and unfunny.
For many, though, GTA V is the GOAT. There's a reason it's stood the test of time and smashed records, with the GTA Online player count proving how popular it still is in 2024. Whether you love GTA V and play it daily or have left it to gather dust on a shelf, there's no denying its place as a gaming legend.
About The Author
Tom Chapman
Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.
