Close to 10 years after its authentic launch, Rockstar has quietly eliminated a handful of characters and jokes from Grand Theft Auto 5 that critics have described as dangerous stereotypes of transgender individuals.
As first reported by Ars Technica, GTA group members have famous numerous modifications to the remastered model of GTA 5 accessible on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. They embody characters labeled as (*5*) now not spawning outdoors Cockatoos along with having dialogue eliminated.
Over on Reddit, one other person famous {that a} Captain Spacetoy with “interchangeable genitalia” has been minimize.
In new-gen GTAV/GTAO, Rockstar seem to have disabled the trans caricatures or “drag queens” from spawning outdoors Cockatoos. This might be following a plea from OutMakingGames final 12 months. I hope this supplies consolation to anybody who felt these NPCs depicted dangerous stereotypes 🏳️⚧️
— Kirsty Cloud (@kirstycloud) April 8, 2022
As group members have identified, the modifications comply with an open letter from Out Making Games asking Rockstar Games to take away the content material, which was described as transphobic way back to the unique launch in 2013. A follow-up article on Kotaku additionally known as for the removing of the content material within the new-gen releases.
In the wake of the modifications, Out Making Games stated it was “thrilled” by the removing of the content material.
IGN reached out to Rockstar for touch upon the modifications however haven’t obtained a response.
Last 12 months we wrote an open letter to @Rockstar, calling on them to take away transphobic content material from GTA 5’s subsequent gen launch. We’re thrilled to say that they’ve. Thank you to everybody at Rockstar who prioritized this challenge. https://t.co/JnPtufcBZq
— OutMakingGames (@OutMakingGames) April 18, 2022
This is just not the primary time that Rockstar has opted to take away controversial content material. The Confederate Flag was faraway from sure places in Grand Theft Auto 5 again in 2015, the place it was changed with the American flag.
GTA 5 launched on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S in March, bringing with it considerably enhanced load instances and different enhancements. Rockstar additionally quietly introduced GTA 6, with extra to be revealed at a later date.
Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN in addition to co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
