Rockstar edits out “transphobic” content from GTA V remasters

"In recent years, the press and LGBTQ+ groups have been putting pressure on Rockstar Games to remove or change content they see as "transphobic" in Grand Theft Auto V. Now, players have noted a few such changes to transgender representation in the "expanded and enhanced" upgrades to the game recently released for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S." Arstechnica says.

[cliveo32]

Pathetic tbh

[senorfartcushion]

Well it’s the sign of the change. It usually starts with big companies changing the way they approach language.

Racist language isn’t freely allowed either. You were probably not born when that happened though, or else you’d be angry regarding racism as well as transphobia.

[frostypants]

Gently parodying or satirizing a thing is not "phobic".

[bloop]

I agree FartCushion. They should have no NPC's in GTA VI whatsoever and have a city completely void of all life. Don't want to go offending anyone now, do we?!?

You have to ask the question, where does this end? What happens when almost everyone has to be excluded because it's offensive due to their race, sex, religion, sexual orientation etc?? I'm Irish, born and bred, and every Irish character in almost all media is portrayed as a stereotypical good for nothing, aggressive alcoholic. This couldn't be any further from the truth, but I have absolutely no problem with it.

[M3talDiamond]

@bloop Im Irish also I think we are the only people left in the world who have a sense of humor and don't get offended easily. And you are right the way the most of the media portrays Irish people is BS but we don't complain.

[zeuanimals]

@frostpants:

Satire: the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.

Satire is used to punch at power and actual problems in society. Trans people have the least actual power within society and them existing isn't a problem. The fact people with actual power are uncomfortable with people being who they are on the inside and are using every legal action they can to put a stop to it is an actual problem. These ideals get reinforced with objectively shitty humor that only goes surface deep and doesn't delve into anything that hasn't already been said a billion times before, allowing people with power to continually be able to push these things, all to distract people with transphobic tendencies from actual issues. What did Fox News talk about while there was a huge infrastructure bill that could help shape the nation for the future? Potatoheads. It's all distraction and y'all are falling for it.

It's like finding out someone's gonna expose you of some horrible shit you did and so you divert everyone's attention by pointing and laughing at the kid in the wheelchair, and people just fall for it. It's modern black face, something people still cry about not being allowed to do anymore. Go back and watch black face films and tell me they're any funny. They have literally one gimmick and it doesn't hold up whatsoever, unless you're into that kind of thing.

Humor about black people has gotten immensely better since moving past such surface level ideas and I'd say we're all the better for it. But I guess if you have a child's brain, anything beyond black face would probably go over your head. Imagine what humor about trans people will be like when we actually understand them, accept them and find new and unique things to joke about.

[Solitariussaint]

"Political correctness is fascism disguised as polite manners."

-George Carlin

[Markusb33]

No they make games that ridicule everyone everyone everything. So now they are protecting one group, why? This is why comedy is dead,its ment to be edgy not the establishment and jokes in games and in entertainment should not be taken seriously. We are living in a beta weak minded world. You don't like something dont buy or support it

[zeuanimals]

@solitariussaint:

Also Carlin: “Comedy has traditionally picked on people in power, people who abuse their power,” he says. “Women and gays and immigrants, to my way of thinking, are underdogs.”

[zeuanimals]

@Palitera:

Reminds me of Chappelle claiming it's all white people trying to create reasons to be offended and turn the tables on him, so they become trans to have that on him, completely disregarding black trans folk who get it literally the worst out of anybody. Cops have literally laughed off their interactions with trans people who call about being assaulted and they simply don't investigate the cases. That's what happens when you treat the person themself like a joke, something that gets reinforced with these shitty jokes where the only joke is "the existence of said people". The assaults happen for a lot of the same reason. If them existing is a joke, then punching them in the face is probably even more funny to people.

[AKS]

"Satire is used to punch at power..." Satire is a form of humor. It is not relegated to only be used to push social justice bullshit.

[PeaSFor]

Yeah Rockstar, stay on the path of catering to the vile woke groups and just wait, you will still offend them somehow.
Expect gta6 to be a boring safe space.

[zeuanimals]

@AKS: I posted the literal definition of satire... Don't tell me what you think it is. I even posted what George Carlin thought comedy should be used for, which gives fuller context to an out of context, irreverent sounding quote that everybody loved. But they didn't like it when I proved that George Carlin went against their narrative. He's spinning in his grave knowing so many people literally just use a few select quotes to try to prove a point he spent his whole career speaking out against.

[AKS]

Not much of a point in replying when my comments are being falsely reported as spam so they can't be seen. I was going to mention that activists of this loathsome ilk are extremely authoritarian, but they already demonstrated that quite clearly the first chance they got.

[TheDreamCorridor]

Sick ratio.

[Bigman4k]

Facts

[SullysCigar]

2022: Videogames are great, you can do whatever you like! You can shoot that taxi driver in the face, sleep with that hooker, beat that shop clerk with a bat... But you must NEVER utter words that might potentially upset that dude in a dress.

[John_McClane]

For once I agree with you.

[Charlieboy333]

Don't be so sure you will be able to sleep with that hooker....or even go to a strip club or something like that in the next GTA. They probably wouldn't want such 'toxic male' activities in their next game either.

[yeahokwhatever]

the next gta you're just an amazon warehouse worker. thats it. thats the game.

[jambola]

"how would you like to buy our game a third time, but censored?" :D
how could anyone refuse!

[XiNatsuDragnel]

Not cool tbh

[ClayRules2012]

Not good, I fear what the end result for GTA6 will be.

So sad to see even a company like Rockstar fall to the pressures of some in the public.

[Crows90]

And most of that pressure from people that don't play games.

[ClayRules2012]

@Crows90

Good point. That makes it even more annoying, and to me, shows how even further Rockstar has fallen/changed since Dan and the other big originals have left the studio.

[CrimsonWing69]

Well, that settles it. The next GTA won’t be pushing the envelope in content and will dial it back.

[ScootaKuH]

100% agree

[gamer7804]

Yup vote with your wallet. It’s the only feedback corporations respect. The newest saints row game is going to bomb hard as well.

[yeahokwhatever]

im sure it will do everything in its power to mock christians. guarantee you they dont mock muslims.

[SDuck]

The franchise known to push the line on what's insulting and what's funny is now censoring an old game. That sure is assuring for the real fans who want GTA 6

[gamer7804]

This is why they can’t make gta6. Or atleast a true gta6. Look what’s happened to the new saints row. It’s a shell of its former self.

[Christopher]

Look at that game we know next to nothing about. I make assumptions based on style choices that I forget I can control in the game.

[gamer7804]

@christopher you can change the main protagonists and their backstories in the new saints row? That’s news to me.

[SDuck]

you can change the MC like in previous games but do we actually know anything of his backstory? I'm not following the news on Saints Row that much

[Christopher]

***@christopher you can change the main protagonists and their backstories in the new saints row? That’s news to me.***

You can change the protagonist just like in the past games as far as looks/gender/etc.

We don't know their backstory, so, again, how can you complain about that?

[gamer7804]

@christopher. You can change your character but not any of the protagonists in your game. They turn to crime to pay off college loans…. Not joking. Maybe the Starbucks job isn’t giving them enough hours…. They also are changing names of stuff. We’ll know more about how you can create your character tomorrow. I’m sure they’ve changed atleast something there too.

[PS-Gamer-1986]

I'm afraid that changing the main character, doesn't help with the highly unlikeable cast smh

[EazyC]

This is a big symbol of why that groundbreaking satire GTA used to have just won't continue. Afraid of offending people.

I think as far as large-scale media goes, South Park is probably the only vehicle that doesn't shy away from controversy (I know...it's not the pop culture powerhouse it once was, but still).

[Ezio2048]

Family Guy is the top of controversy I think. They never shy away from anything.

[moriarty1889]

Pitiful backtracking by yet another company.

[FunAndGun]

Well, it is their content, that they made, to do what they want with. Don't like it, don't but it. I don't think Rockstar really cares. Everyone complaining here will buy the next game anyway so it's all fake outrage.

[InUrFoxHole]

And this is where you're wrong.

[RyanShutup]

so fkn lame.

[ClayRules2012]

It really is. What I feared (but figured would probably happen) is happening EVEN with Rockstar, one company who’s ALWAYS been known for pushing the envelope and going the limit, doing their OWN thing! Such a shame and yes, so lame.

[ocelot07]

Wow really, might as well just stop developing GTA games. It's a video game if someone gets offended by the colourful language in these games. Simply don't play the games. I hate the N word but would be annoyed if Rockstar edit things like that out the game. I hate fat shaming but again would be annoyed if they removed phrase "fat a**" out of the games.

I don't condone homophobia, racism, fat shaming, bullying, violence, in real life. But this is a video game.

[senorfartcushion]

And video games are made by people in their real lives.

You don’t make games. You don’t work for Rockstar. To you, it’s a game you buy. To them, they MAKE the game. It is their job and thus a part of THEIR real life.

Just letting you know😅

[bestofyou]

People are killed in car accidents daily, shot, stabbed, blown up... shouldn't they remove all of it since it's stuff that happens? Why does this have to be removed? Ohh because the Alphabet people are upset, it's the same crap the pulled on Dave Chapelle with his jokes. Also it's not the business doing it, you can bet your last dollar that a certain group pressured them to remove it.

[senorfartcushion]

Because those elements are universal, making fun of people who identify as someone they know they are is not universal - otherwise you won’t be playing shooting games and instead be playing choose your own adventures that solely relying on making fun of people. The writing is not a mechanic.

If those elements were removed you’d be even more angry than you are now.

Dave Chappelle started out hating trans people and was given permission by his trans friend to carry on. That Trans friend then killed themselves because of the abuse they got because Chappelle basically told the world who they were and where to find them.

Dave Chappelle should be blamed for more than just jokes. He caused a death because he’s old and doesn’t know how to get with the times.

[H9]

Wait I wasn't going to comment in this discussion but did you really just blame Dave Chappelle for the death of his friends while you also said "because of the abuse", what killed him is the abuse and the abusers, not really saying Dave is innocent, but throwing it All on Dave Chappelle is unreasonable

[ocelot07]

This stuff was already in the game. Has been for 10 years. Now all of a sudden they remove it from the ps5/Seres X version. As @bestofyou put it. A certain group has been putting pressure on rockstar.

If they start buckling to all the snowflakes it's going to come to the point where we won't have any video games with violance. Or swear words because they are going to be so offraid of offending people it's a joke.

[Crows90]

Generally speaking...when you're trying to make fun of someone...you usually point out things about them.

[Storm23]

Who cares?

[jambola]

Lots of people
Like ytku, you, that's why you commented

[FunAndGun]

Yes, but all the people who "care" will still buy the next installment. Doesn't matter to Rockstar.

[Storm23]

I care because I don’t see what the big deal is. Everyone freaking out like the game is worse now. If you need a transgender joke to enjoy a game…wow…

[jambola]

Big difference between not liking censorship and needing the thing being censored to enjoy it

[isarai]

Isnt offensive satire the point of the GTA series?

[frostypants]

People don't know what "phobic" means anymore. What the few clamoring for this want is to never ever be made fun of even a little...in a game that makes fun of and satirizes literally everyone.

[Elda]

It's no here or there with me because I don't play GTA but I'm guessing this is things to come.

[brewin]

What's sad is that it's actually makes trans people a target. I know trans people who are upset by things like this because it does make them a target by others who think they are all to blame for this sort of censorship. If you want inclusion that includes all forms of inclusion. They don't get upset by things like this they simply roll their eyes and move on with their lives.

It's the loud ones that cause all the uproar. And, as the old saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Not all trans people are upset by jokes and satire, some of them look at it as inclusion! How about that. They're just happy to be recognized in society. They are people, they seek acceptance and when things start getting censored or banned because of some amongst their particular group, they get upset as well. This is not what most trans people want. Peace and inclusion is all they ask for. Are we that far gone as a society that we have to change and alter everything because a small portion of a particular group is upset about something?! I shudder to think what our future beholds if this is the case.

[PandyRoo]

Came here to say exactly this.

[Loktai]

I've yet to meet a gay or lesbian person who couldnt take a joke. There are plenty of jokes about the sexuality, habits etc of straight men and women as well. I dont think it should be off limits. Satire isnt a cross section or a representation it usually shows fringe outlier examples and exaggerations - If we outlaw that then humor will go back to the 1950s where you cant even depict anything fringe because youll misrepresent it and the police will show up.

[drizzom]

@brewin

These points will be ignored by the defenders.

[Bigman4k]

Lame

[Ol_Boy]

Wow.... How about getting rid of the hillbillies NPCs since they might offend hillbillies, or let's remove the prostitutes to be more sensitive toward real prostitutes. I'm sure the last thing prostitutes that play games to escape real world problems want to see in a game is prostitutes being beat up and killed. SMDH

[Santouryuu]

Aww yiss, but fk muslim/russian representation in games. the default bad guys. it's like people are actively looking for stuff to get upset about. like looking really really hard.

[gamer7804]

What’s even worse is people looking to get upset at other people being upset about something…

[Good-Smurf]

Was reconsidering a triple dipping the game since I no longer have PS4 now I won't bother the PS5 version thanks for saving me $30 Rockstar.
That cheap next gen upgrade option are now also a downgrade.
What a trendsetter.

[gamer7804]

Good for you, money is the only language companies understand.

[BrainSyphoned]

Well I'm glad I'm not being hateful to any hookers I may kill in GTA

[M3talDiamond]

I wonder what GTA 6 will be like?

[ocelot07]

There won't be any guns because they lead to violance.

No cars or bikes, aeroplanes, helicopters, boats. Because These things damage the earth and we need to keep the eco lovers happy.

Horses where considered as modes of transportation but. Animal welfare groups consider riding horses are cruel so they have been cut from the game.

Every character is vegan.

No swearing or offensive language.

COVID is still a thing and rockstar want to make sure all characters remain safe and social distance.

[Phoenix76]

Whoa hold up guys, the biggest story here is the now "Non-inclusion" of drag Queens in game. Have R* not considered their feelings?? #bringbackthedrags 🤣

/s f@#&ing crazy world we live in

[brewin]

Seriously though. They took out that group's representation in a game of this magnitude and generational importance?! This move may actually upset them more than the jokes did.

[XXXL]

I for one am glad that big brother, big companies, etc. have my best interest at heart and our actively doing everything they can to protect me *Fart Noise*

[fitofficial]

So a game about murder, theft, prostitution, drugs, and basically every crime imaginable is now trans-friendly. Well, at least I can sleep tonight.

[John_McClane]

Screw Rockstar

[gold_drake]

i love how shotting random people, having sex with hookers or beating the shit out of people is A-ok, but commenting on a dude in a dress in a rude matter, crosses the line haha.

[Evan_Beezy]

Black people don’t care that they’re disproportionately depicted in the hood as gang members saying the n-word 🤷‍♂️…

[Elda]

Your comment doesn't speak for all black people. Some do get offended by being stereotyped or offended that others think all black people act like criminals & use the N-word.

[Evan_Beezy]

My whole point is it’s IN the GTA games and we don’t have some board review taking those things out

[StarkR3ality]

Rockstar has gone to shit. The world has also gone to shit, self entitled arseholes who can't handle being offended.

Pathetic.

[victorMaje]

Stupidism.

[Teflon02]

Sounds like we only got south park left that doesn't hold anything back lol. If South Park folds in the future, it's the end for comedy lol.

[Charlieboy333]

Well there you have it. For anyone expecting GTA6 to be anything like 'GTA' you are going to be sorely disappointed. The old Rockstar that made fun of everything and everyone is gone....that Rockstar ended with Dan Houser's departure.

[Christopher]

I see two sides of this

First is the concept that a developer should make what content they want and if people don't like it then they can complain. Unfortunately, we'll never know whether changes made are in reality in the developer's vision, or just backlash response.

Second is people claiming it's satire when it's pretty much just random transphobic references and not actual attempts at having any form of thought or discussion on the topic. It's the equivalent of calling someone gay and then telling them it was just a joke. It wasn't and if they think it's a joke they are doing a bad job at understanding what jokes are. Rockstar does a bad job with a ton of their "satire" in that it's not really satire and just hateful commentary. This is kind of what they do. I'd they try to change, people who like that content will complain.

Anyway, I think both sides have a right to complain about this, but no one has a right to call people bigots or sjw. Both sides have their opinion on where this "satire" belongs and that's a tale as old as the time when stories were only told by spoken word. Eventually you're going to just have to agree to disagree.

[annoyedgamer]

"Eventually you're going to just have to agree to disagree."

Considering the game is censored, the ones using the term "bigot" have won. You either agree with them or get censored.

[coolbeans]

-"Second is people claiming it's satire when it's pretty much just random transphobic references and not actual attempts at having any form of thought or discussion on the topic."

More often than not, it's better to consider it's depiction a "parody" versus genuine "satire." But here's the thing: it's not like ANY minority or majority population is safe from simplistic jokes on GTA. You have white trailer trash jabs spawning back to GTA III (if I recall). I think *some* latitude is given just by having to fill an open world with references, radio stations, etc. etc. One moment you can S. Amer. immigrants getting dusted while picking fruit, the next you're strolling by... rhymes with Rockatoos.

If it's understood that GTA's been an equal opportunity offender for a while, this kinda smells like reflexive apologizing after lurking through Resetera for too long. Granted, the creatives' DO have a right to do that. I just don't like the notion of artificially giving ground.

[MissAubrey]

This used to be the company that was awesome. now they bend the knee like everyone else. Freakin tragic..

[cell989]

We get closer and closer to the premise of Equilibrium :/

[Charlieboy333]

Great movie....used to think it was science fiction. Not so much anymore

[Markusb33]

Let's all pander because feelings

[XxINFERNUSxX]

Well on the PC you can put that all back and then some. PC FTW as usual 😁. Hell the modders can do all of that and make it a torrent so the shit bags at Rockstar will not force them to take it down.

[Shiore2u]

True. FiveM fixed all the money-grubbing issues GTA Online has. It's actually fun.

[randomvoice]

This whole woke bs should just eff off. I can kill a white or a black dude but god forbid I kill a trans. Seriously this is what happens when you swing way too much in the other direction with this woke bs.

[PS-Gamer-1986]

Ok that doesn't make me

[Unknown_Gamer5794]

I’m guessing they don’t realize GTA is a satire. It depicts far-right culture and plays it straight, but that doesn’t necessarily reflect the views of the devs. Also, this brand of satire works best when it’s unfiltered. Censoring it defeats the purpose.

[CobraKai]

Seriously? It’s GTA fer chrissakes!!! Practically the antithesis of censorship

[gamer7804]

They came for saints row, I don’t see that changing for the next gta given the only info we have right now

[PS-Gamer-1986]

Nice, now if they would just make sure to not offend anybody in GTA 6 that would amazing. I don't want to be exposed to a single joke about people with gender dysphoria, overweight people, minorities or people from foreign countries other than the us or maybe eu, handicapped people, women, people with medical conditions.

Because i have a great sense of humor, i would welcome jokes that "punch upward" the social hierarchy, jokes that are directed at these privileged straight white males. Especially if they identify as christian conservatives.

While they are at it: In addition I demand rockstar to also get rid of guns to not offend people who experienced any kind of gun violence and cars should drive on invisible rails to show support to people who got hurt in traffic. Maybe instead of having to fight enemy npcs, the player's task should be to talk about important social issues with them or school them about their privilege or victimhood.

[Ol_Boy]

Yeah pretty much.

[RoseSapphire]

Fantastic news!

[SegaSaturn669]

I was really worried about the transgender community, and now I'm not. GJ rockstar.

[Inverno]

erase Franklin while you're at it, he's a harmful depiction of a black stereotype. Wade should be removed too because Trevor was abusive towards someone who is mentally handicapped. Turn on God mode for NPCs, violence depicted is too harmful. #cancelGTA6

[skyrimer]

There was a time where GTA devs didn't give a damn about what anyone thought about them, those days are gone sadly. Japan, you're our last hope.

[Hedstrom]

They should also remove violence so that pacifists doesnt feel butt hurt!

[ghostrider32]

When did Rockstar become so soft? South Park wound never.

[QuePasa87]

Cringe

[sourOG]

If you remove trans content because you are scared of trans backlash… wouldn’t that literally be transphobic?

[GoodGuy09]

Yea, expect gta6 to be pretty toned down.

[RabbitFly]

Since when has Drag Queens been considered a transphobic stereotype?

Drag Queens have done a lot of work of destigmatizing crossdressing and as such several concepts around the acceptance of trans people in society.

There are a ton of people that still cherish the practice of doing drag and do it as a celebration of their sexuality.

I guess it's time to throw another ally under the buss?

This would be like saying the Village People were bad for portraying a homophobic stereotype. Entirely dismissing the concepts that were being fought for.

[VanHalen]

Problem is people need to stop giving in to these peoples demands all the time. It will never end and will only get worse. Let them cry, someone needs to tell them no once in awhile. It’s like everytime your kid cries because he can’t get his way. Last thing you wanna do is keep catering and feeding in to them every single time. I doubt LGBTQ would ever give 2 cents or even respond to anyone else asking them to remove something. They would tell you to go screw yourself! Bad move Rockstar, kinda surprised with them of all companies too. Just another suck up and scared company, giving in to ridiculous people and demands. What a joke

[Tetsujin]

A game based on satire, parodies, and making fun of real life gets a censor because of a few loud mouths?

At this point it's people scream and acting a fool just to get their few minutes of internet fame, claiming they shut something down. It's not about right or wrong, it's how far can people push the entertainment industry before things really go south.

And to those who are in actual favor of this, pick up a history book.

[REDDURT]

These people must be stopped.

[Bigman4k]

Man i hate this generation i say they should've left it in there forget them people

[Dixiedevil]

GTA 6 is gonna be retarded

[FPS_D3TH]

Wonder where it stops?

[drizzom]

What makes you think it does?

[spoonard]

Why don't they edit out the ability to ONLY kill black people if one so chooses? Or what if I decide to play for four hours and only run over women and children? Everyone is just dandy with mass murder, but the gloves come off if someone says a word and someone else gets their feelings hurt.

[philm87]

It doesn't have much impact on the game/story. Whilst I don't agree with it (it's a story so people shouldn't get offended by minor things), it seems a logical from a Rockstar PR point of view. If they left it in would there be another article saying why didn't they get rid of it?

[drizzom]

Oh no. Not a dreaded "article". The horror.

[philm87]

What? That's literally what this site is full of. Such a ****. It was just a suggestion that there's always going to be two sides to the argument.

[drizzom]

@philm87

I get what your saying but my point is that they shouldn't fear that an article will be written about it because it is just that. A stupid article. Them not changing anything due to pressure is a good thing no matter how badly an article tries to twist peoples perception.

[smashman98]

Ah yes now we’ll have games that are more socially aware. It’s good to know that while I’m beating tf out of my prostitute for my money back after successfully escaping a manhunt that I brought on myself by going on a killing spree in los santos, that certain characters will no longer misgender certain other characters or whatever.

[Ninver]

They gave in! The ones complaining still won't buy the game so what's the point?

[RGB]

My comment was deleted as spam, hilarity.