Fact Check: Grand Theft Auto VI won’t have the franchise’s first female protagonist
In new developments, Grand Theft Auto VI will feature a Bonnie and Clyde-based plot line, also highlighting a female protagonist of Latina origin. Although nothing is concrete, rumors have surrounded the game. Speculations say the game will be set in the 1970s or 80s in Vice City and a new fictional city based on Rio De Janeiro. It could also potentially be centered around the drug trade, largely inspired by Netflix’s “Narcos.”
Although many fans consider this the “first female protagonist” from Rockstar games — that is not the truth.
Who was the first female protagonist?
This upcoming female protagonist will be the first … in 25 years. The original Grand Theft Auto released in 1997, featured not just one, but four female protagonists.
The characters — Divine, Katie, Mikki, and Ulrika — were seen in the original GTA on PC and the Game Boy Color port. However, they were not apparent in a common way of playing — the PS1 version of GTA.
Although these characters were the official “first” female protagonists, they hardly contributed to the overall story of the original game. With Rockstar continually pushing out better games, the contribution from protagonists only seems to rise. When comparing past work by the company, and Arthur Morgan’s plotline in Red Dead Redemption 2, players can only expect great things. Additionally, as Rockstar intentionally slows other projects to focus on GTA VI, fans can continue to expect more in-depth characters.
Why wait 25 years?
Rockstar is attempting to reinvent how the company operates. As reported by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, developers are being cautious with jokes about marginalized groups. Additionally, GTA 5 remasters cut transphobic content from the game. With these changes affecting the player base of the game, game developers and players alike will be more receptive to a female protagonist.
After 25 years of pushing content, Rockstar should be prepared to release a female protagonist. A well-made one too. With the company striving to be a better workplace and more acclimating to female players, big expectations are awaiting after 25 years.
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