S. Samuel
Rockstar Games is reportedly not losing any sleep over recent demands for its Grand Theft Auto V title to be kept off store shelves due to its in-game treatment toward animals.
According to reports, the mega video game company is firmly behind its latest GTA title.
The “Grand Theft Auto V” boycott being called for by an animal rights org. is a molotov cocktail full of crap — according to sources directly connected to the game … who add the group is using GTA for shameless publicity. Our GTA sources tell us game makers are calling BS on In Defense of Animals’ attack on GTA — saying the game does NOT push “institutionalized” animal violence on kids … because it’s not made for kids. One source points out the game has a mature audiences only label, and kids under 17 can’t buy it … so there’s no harm in showing adult situations to grown ups. “It’s a fake world with exaggerated real world problems” the source adds. “People shoot animals in real life, why should that be hidden from an adult video game?!” (TMZ)
Earlier this weekend, buzz over In Defense of Animals’ issues of wanting swift action taken against the title surfaced.
“Grand Theft Auto V” crossed the line by allowing game-playing children to run over, behead and kill animals — and a prominent animal rights group is calling for a boycott. Jack Carone from In Defense of Animals tells TMZ … his group is incensed that Rockstar Games is capitalizing off animal torture — and it doesn’t matter if it’s real or fake. He says it perpetuates what he calls “institutionalized violence” against helpless animals. “The makers of this game have traded decency for money” Jack says, adding, “Encouraging the darkest impulses of young people is not an admirable pursuit.” For what it’s worth … the ability to kill animals in the game is not a new feature … and animal violence has been included in every game. Regardless … Carone says, “animals don’t need any more targets painted on them in the name of fun.” (TMZ)
While the animal treatment continues, GTA V continues to become a hit at retail outlets.
Rockstar Games Grand Theft Auto V has officially hit $1 billion in sales in just three days. Take-Two Interactive has officially announced more than $1 billion in sales of Grand Theft Auto V durings its first three days on sale. The company believe “this marks the fastest than any entertainment property, including video games and feature films, has reached this significant milestone.” According to an LA Times report last year Call of Duty: Black Ops managed to earn $1 billion, but on its 15th day on sale. Chairman and CEO of Take-Two, Strauss Zeinick, states “Grand Theft Auto is a cultural phenomenon and Rockstar Games continues to redefine what can be achieved in interactive entertainment. We are incredibly proud of the extraordinary critical and commercial response to Grand Theft Auto V.” (T3)
According to reports, GTA V secured over $800 million within 24 hours of hitting stores shelves this week.
Grand Theft Auto V was released on Tuesday and it has already managed to generate just over $800 million during its first 24 hours at retail and through digital distribution channels, according to publisher Take-Two Interactive. Take-Two says that these day-one sales are the highest in the company’s history and for the Grand Theft Auto series. By comparison, Grand Theft Auto IV sold 3.6 million copies, generating $310 million during its launch day in April 2008. Take-Two has not disclosed how many GTA V copies have been sold thus far. (Game Politics)
