Video Game Tycoon in Tokyo-Chapter 1002: War of Words

"GTA: Liberty City Chapters tells a story of crime, but why does it feel like this is my life?"

"That's not an illusion—it's real. The so-called American Dream isn't so wonderful. Most people are just like Niko... no, maybe even worse. Niko's a war veteran—he at least has a skill, even if it's one that can't see the light of day. But at least he's capable."

"I've been bussing tables in America for years. The so-called American Dream is a joke. But I can't go back—because if I did, everyone would mock me. Just like Niko's cousin, I brag to my friends and family back home about how great my life is here, but in reality, it's awful."

At first, the release of GTA: Liberty City Chapters—unsurprisingly—sparked backlash.

The loudest critics spoke out online and in public, condemning the game.

They claimed the game encouraged immoral behavior.

"You can do anything you want in this game," they said. "And now it looks more realistic than ever—almost indistinguishable from reality."

Some people even suspected that if Gamestar Electronic Entertainment really wanted to, they could recreate an entire city perfectly matching real life inside the game.

But in truth, AI development is fast, not magical. Creating a one-to-one replica of real life? That's nonsense. And if games became too realistic, players would hate it. No one wants to relive the boring and frustrating parts of real life inside a game.

...

...

As for the claim that the game encourages people to do bad things—anyone who's actually played it knows that's total nonsense.

When protests about the game's "unhealthy content" started, gamers rose up in defense.

And this time, it wasn't just hardcore fans—it was people at the bottom of American society, too. People who'd been grinding just like Niko.

And when they spoke up, their voices weren't any quieter than the angry complainers.

"You say this game is unhealthy, maybe even dangerous? That it teaches people to do bad things? Please. Anyone who's actually played the game knows Niko never has it easy. Not once."

"He's constantly getting crushed by the system, trying to survive in the cracks."

"Anyone with a bit of common sense knows that copying what happens in this game would only land you in a worse mess."

"Look at Niko—he's a battle-hardened vet and he still gets tossed around. Anyone with half a brain knows better than to try and imitate that."

"Take me for example. I'm just a delivery guy. My only skill is lifting and moving boxes. If I tried doing what Niko does? That'd be suicide. I know my limits."

"Exactly. Try to be like Niko in real life and you'll end up dead in an alley, not riding off into the sunset."

"Let's take that one diamond deal mission for example. Anyone remember it?"

"Oh yeah, that one! I was stuck on that for ages—hands too clumsy."

"Wait, couldn't you just skip it?"

"Sure, but I've got completionist OCD. Had to do it myself. Anyway, back to the point!"

"In that mission, Niko is supposed to secure a bag of diamonds. But suddenly, a mysterious third party ambushes and steals them."

"Me? I'd have pissed myself. Let alone draw a gun and fight back. I bet all you complainers would've crumbled too. And you dare say this game encourages bad behavior?"

"Honestly, it does the opposite—it shows you the cost of living that kind of life. A cost most people could never handle."

"Exactly. In fact, this game is basically a life lesson. I want my kid to play it—so he learns early that this path only leads to ruin... unless he becomes a Navy SEAL or something."

"Whoa, careful there—this game has a lot of graphic content."

"No problem, I'll skip those parts. And honestly, harsh realities are a better lesson than sugarcoated lies."

"I suddenly feel bad for your kid. Sounds like a rough household."

Gamers, immigrants, and all those who live—or have lived—at the bottom of American society found themselves more united than ever.

To them, the story of GTA: Liberty City Chapters felt real. Painfully real.

They may never live a life like Niko's, but through the game, they felt the cold edge of reality.

And that made them love the game even more.

Online debates between gamers and the critics turned fiery.

Initially, the U.S. government was considering stepping in.

After all, the loudest critics had voting power.

But when waves of passionate players pushed back hard, the government backed off—and quietly watched the drama unfold.

"It's just a game," they figured. "No need to make a fuss."

After that, GTA: Liberty City Chapters continued to release in America and other regions.

Ironically, the controversy boosted sales.

All the arguing saved marketing costs and boosted revenue—a win-win.

Then, Gamestar Electronic Entertainment dropped another bombshell announcement:

The story of GTA: Liberty City Chapters wasn't over.

Two new protagonists would be introduced soon.

And more importantly, something even more exciting was coming:

Online mode.