Revisiting Grand Theft Auto 5 and Rockstar's Post-Apocalyptic Vision | 10 Years Later

The gaming industry is known for its fast-paced nature, often focusing on what's next rather than reflecting on the past. However, examining the history of the industry can provide valuable insights. This feature highlights key events from exactly a decade ago, including the release of Grand Theft Auto 5. Launched on September 17, 2013, for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Grand Theft Auto 5 was a massive success, with its multiplayer component, Grand Theft Auto Online, going live on October 1, 2013. The game's success has endured, with it shipping an additional five million copies last quarter, bringing its lifetime total to 185 million. The game's developer, Rockstar, has been known for its intense development process, which has raised concerns about crunch and employee well-being. In a 2013 interview, Rockstar co-founder Sam Houser discussed the development of Grand Theft Auto 5, stating that game development should always be difficult and that it's not supposed to be easy. Houser's comments were criticized for glorifying crunch and disregarding employee well-being. The article also touches on other industry events from September 2013, including the reaction to Grand Theft Auto 5's misogyny, the announcement of the Steam Machines set-top boxes, and the lifting of China's ban on game consoles. Additionally, it discusses the state of the Japanese development scene, which was seen as being in a rut at the time, but has since experienced a resurgence with titles like Dark Souls 3, Final Fantasy 15, and Resident Evil 7. The article concludes by reflecting on the lessons that can be learned from the past and the importance of prioritizing employee well-being and diversity in the gaming industry.