These fascinating facts shed light on the intricate development and rich narrative of GTA V, underscoring its status as a landmark title in gaming history. Whether you’re a casual player or a die-hard fan, there’s always something new to discover in Los Santos.
- Unfinished Couple Dynamic
In early development stages, GTA V included a mission featuring Michael and Trevor as a couple. This abandoned mission, known as The Sharmoota Job, would have depicted Trevor cross-dressing to explore a high-end neighborhood while plotting a heist that involved stealing a horse and a safe. Although the mission never made it into the final game, remnants of it can still be found in the game’s code.
- Franklin’s Original Fate
During the game’s climax, players must choose between killing Michael, killing Trevor, or opting for a “Deathwish” that keeps all three protagonists alive. However, earlier versions of the game suggested that selecting Deathwish would have led to Franklin’s demise, with players subsequently taking control of his friend Lamar, though the details remain murky.
- Method Acting in Voice Performance
To bring their characters to life, voice actors Ned Luke (Michael) and Steven Ogg (Trevor) employed method acting techniques. Luke gained weight to embody Michael’s dad bod, while Ogg read his lines in minimal clothing to immerse himself in Trevor’s chaotic persona. This commitment to authenticity was encouraged by Rockstar’s motion capture sessions.
- The Moon Easter Egg
A quirky Easter egg from previous entries in the series continues to delight players in GTA V. In GTA III, shooting the Moon with a sniper rifle caused an interesting effect, which has been carried over to GTA V. Players can still shoot at the Moon, making it appear to swell and shrink in size, adding a fun, interactive element to the game’s night sky.
- The “GTA Flu” Phenomenon
Upon its release in 2013, GTA V was so highly anticipated that many players called in sick to work to get a head start. A survey conducted by IGN revealed that 46% of respondents admitted to taking a sick day to play the game, leading to what was humorously termed “GTA flu.” This phenomenon underscored the game’s cultural impact and the lengths fans would go to experience it early.
- Massive Financial Success
GTA V is not only one of the most expensive games to develop, with initial costs reaching $137 million, but it has also generated over $6 billion in revenue since its launch. With more than 140 million copies sold across three console generations, it is one of the best-selling video games ever, achieving remarkable profitability beyond its development and marketing expenses.
- References to Red Dead Redemption
The game includes clever nods to Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption. In Franklin’s house, players can find a book titled Red Dead authored by J. Marston, a reference to John Marston’s son, Jack. This subtle connection highlights the shared universe of Rockstar’s titles and their attention to detail.
- Character Representations of Player Archetypes
Each main character in GTA V embodies different types of players within the GTA community. Michael represents veteran players familiar with the mechanics, Franklin symbolizes newcomers eager to explore, and Trevor epitomizes chaotic, thrill-seeking gamers who relish the more destructive aspects of gameplay.
- An Extensive Script
The script for GTA V was an astonishing 3,500 pages long, showcasing the depth and breadth of its narrative and dialogue. This length includes not only the main storyline but also the extensive interactions of NPCs and side missions, indicating the massive scale of storytelling involved in the game.
- Unique Sleep Schedules for Characters
