2. Megastrophic

After the success of the first Grand Theft Auto, a second title nearly didn’t happen. Its original label shut its doors – meaning Sam Houser and a group of friends took the chance that would change video gaming forever. They’d move to New York and begin Rockstar Games: the iconic label that would take GTA into the future. Keen to stamp their identity on the scene, they were poster children for a new generation of video games. With Grand Theft Auto III, they would ignite a firestorm of criticism that would see them gain true notoriety. GTA outraged the American political establishment with its depictions of violence toward sex workers and police – yet was a game comparable to any mature movie, with its remarkable new cinematic style. It all placed Rockstar Games at the pinnacle of game-making cool. WARNING: This podcast contains adult language, depictions of violence and themes of a sexual nature. -- CREDITS: Written by Ciaran Tracey and Chris Warburton Presenter: Bugzy Malone Presenter: Chris Warburton Mixing and Mastering: James Bradshaw Assistant Producer: Gabrielle Gatti Additional journalism by Jo Newsholme, Helen Ledwick and Laura Conder Executive Commissioners for BBC: Richard Maddock and Dylan Haskins Assistant Commissioner: Natalie Mace The Executive Producer is Ciaran Tracey for Big City Nights

You can listen to 2. Megastrophic online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

2. Megastrophic is an episode from Bugzy Malone’s Grandest Game by BBC.

This episode is 36:00 long.

This episode was published on Nov 22, 2022.

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