Elon Musk didn't like GTA 5 because: "It required shooting police officers... Just couldn’t do it..."

In 2023, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, shared his reservations about the popular video game "Grand Theft Auto V" (GTA V) on his social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter). His comments, which focused on the game's crime-oriented content, have recently resurfaced, amassing over million views and sparking extensive discussions among netizens. This renewed attention coincides with heightened anticipation for the upcoming release of "Grand Theft Auto VI" (GTA VI), leading to a broader conversation about the portrayal of crime in video games and the responsibilities of influential figures in media discourse.

In a 2023 X thread, Musk responded to a user's post listing games they hadn't played, including the entire GTA series. Musk revealed his personal discomfort with GTA V's gameplay, stating, "Tried, but didn’t like doing crime. GTA5 required shooting police officers in the opening scene. Just couldn’t do it." This candid admission highlighted his unease with engaging in virtual criminal activities, particularly actions involving law enforcement, even within a fictional context.

Musk's remarks prompted a wave of reactions from the online community. Critics argued that GTA V is a fictional work designed for entertainment, suggesting that his discomfort might be disproportionate. Some users drew parallels between Musk's business practices and the game's content, with one commenting, "Ah yes, it's fine to exploit children in cobalt mines but we draw a line at video games where crime is done." Others pointed out inconsistencies in his stance by referencing his engagement with other games featuring similar themes, such as "Saints Row IV," where players also confront law enforcement in a simulated environment.

The resurfacing of Musk's 2023 comments aligns with the growing excitement surrounding GTA VI. A leaked 90-second teaser trailer revealed that the forthcoming game will be set in a fictionalized version of Miami's Vice City and, for the first time in the series, feature a female protagonist. Rockstar Games has confirmed a 2025 release date for GTA VI, with an official teaser trailer following the leak. This development has intensified discussions about the evolution of the franchise and its impact on gaming culture.
Elon Musk's engagement with video games extends beyond casual interest. Biographer Walter Isaacson detailed Musk's early aspiration to become a game developer, noting that he created his own video game during childhood. His former partner, musician Grimes, observed that gaming serves as Musk's primary method of relaxation, though he approaches it with notable seriousness.
Musk has expressed particular enthusiasm for "Polytopia," a strategy game centered on building civilizations and conducting battles. His brother, Kimbal Musk, recounted that they derived life lessons from the game, including the notion that "empathy is not an asset." Additionally, Musk has lauded "Elden Ring" as "the most beautiful art I have ever seen" and has recommended games like "Overwatch," even requesting that his ex-girlfriend Amber Heard cosplay as a character from the game.
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