Most everyone, even those not of the gaming persuasion, are aware of the phenomenon known as "GTA", short for Grand Theft Auto. The widely popular video game franchise is both lauded and criticized for it's realistic and wanton depictions of violence present throughout the series. It's most recent entry, Grand Theft Auto 5 or "GTA V", has been the most popular version yet, soliciting a next gen console release, an online component, and an innovative and engaging single player campaign with the most memorable characters yet (Read: Trevor Phillips). The PC version of the game particularly enticing as the plethora of mods available adds many new layers and possibilities to the already fantastic experience.
The most fascinating gameplay aspect to rise from the momentous game is "GTA RP" or Grand Theft Auto Roleplaying. As the name suggests, this new trend entails players roleplaying as characters, in the vein of the Sims or Second Life. I came across this odd combination through following a popular YouTuber and Twitch streamer, Jaboody, and have continued to follow his GTA RP streams.
Jaboody has crafted a variety of characters in these servers like Jay the unassuming tow man, Jerry Curl the Soulful Hobo, and Joe Mullet the con man, broadcasting their antics on Stream and YouTube. I've continued to follow Jaboody's work closely not only because he is incredibly hilarious (seriously, check him out) but also because I find the evolution of gameplay itself fascinating.
The main caveat of GTA is the ability and freedom to do whatever you want when you want, yet these streamers and players willingly submit themselves to following the rules of the server (there are players who roleplay as police officers and will genuinely arrest criminals, Miranda rights and all). Moreover, this is a long-term project for the people involved, whose characters develop relationships with others, pursue career advancements, and various other ventures.
One can imagine the possibility of some ne'er-do-well coming in and either trolling the characters or causing mayhem but there are apparently very strict guidelines and a vetting process for candidates who wish to join and participate in a particular server. Which makes perfect sense.
As someone who participates in tabletop gaming and improv, I think this is a wonderful branching point as well as opportunity for entertainment. I'm happy to sit through or sparse out Jaboody's two, three, or even four hours streams because of how entertaining it is.
