Home Gaming Has GTA V gone too far with the torture scene?

Has GTA V gone too far with the torture scene?

1 min read
107

GTAtorture

GTA GTA GTA, it’s all I’m hearing and seeing wherever I go. The game is receiving a ton of positive coverage by the gaming media in general and even more surprisingly the mainstream media is currently not being overly critical of the game, but that could be about to change.

Apparently quite far into GTA, how far exactly I’m not sure but Darryn has been playing for 13 hours and hasn’t come upon it yet, is a scene where you are forced to torture someone for information.

And it’s not a scripted scene like the rape scene in Hotline Miami 2 that was eventually pulled. No in this scene you need to choose you weapon of choice and then inflict some serious pain on the guy tied to the chair to get the information you need.

Apparently this video contains no spoilers, other than the torture scene, but it’s not my video so no promises as I haven’t played this far yet.

So now that we are thinking about torture, how would you torture someone and what’s worse? Having your teeth extracted, peeling of your finger nails or making them watch the Miley Cyrus twerking circus with Justin Bieber playing in the background?

Has GTA gone too far with this scene? I don’t think so but what really gets me is that the conservative nutbags of the world will find this far more acceptable than being able to have sex with someone in game.

Blows my mind.

Last Updated: September 20, 2013

107 Comments

  1. fred

    September 20, 2013 at 11:04

    The way some people dress their characters is more upsetting than this. As long as you don’t let grandma watch while you play.

    Reply

  2. CrasH

    September 20, 2013 at 11:05

    Wonder if you get bonus cash from the toothfairy for each tooth pulled?

    Reply

    • loftie

      September 20, 2013 at 13:34

      I wonder how the scene plays out if you hit the knee first and pull the tooth last, as the tooth pull made his speech go retard

      Reply

  3. MacDoodle

    September 20, 2013 at 11:05

    Not too far for the more mature gamer but for the impressionable minds of kids and esp those from broken homes its not good at all

    Reply

    • markdoubleu

      September 20, 2013 at 17:17

      And thus the age restriction.

      Reply

      • MacDoodle

        September 20, 2013 at 18:25

        You a 100% correctamondo my man but try telling that to the mothers who were all standing in the que at BT games picking up a copy of the game for little 10 year old Jimmy at home even after the sales assistant told them all there is a very good reason for the age restriction!

        Reply

    • Gta5ftw

      September 23, 2013 at 13:55

      Of course not hence the rating 18….

      Reply

  4. HvR

    September 20, 2013 at 11:11

    Do not think their method of water boarding will work, much better effect if hold the rag tightly over the face.

    Reply

    • loftie

      September 20, 2013 at 13:35

      I have got to get a buddy to waterboard me so some time so I can experience it, I mean it doesn’t look that bad but I have read it is unbearable torture..

      Reply

      • Magilla

        September 22, 2013 at 04:40

        Having gone thru military training that introduces the trainees to torture, I can tell you that it does suck. You feel exactly like someone is drowning you. But it’s mixed with feelings of clostaphobia as well.

        Reply

  5. Skyblue

    September 20, 2013 at 11:13

    Only one thing to say to naysayers…

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 20, 2013 at 12:50

      I so wanted him to light the gasoline!

      Reply

      • Skyblue

        September 20, 2013 at 13:02

        hehe, my favourite torture scene of all time and I watch a lot of horror schlock.

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 20, 2013 at 13:08

          dat music, stuck in the middle with you

          Reply

          • Skyblue

            September 20, 2013 at 13:18

            Exactly what made the scene so damn scary.

  6. HvR

    September 20, 2013 at 11:13

    Putting the guy naked in a bath filled with candiru fish.

    Reply

    • Mark Treloar

      September 20, 2013 at 11:27

      Catheter, fire ants ants super glue

      Reply

      • HvR

        September 20, 2013 at 11:56

        Ouch, anything involving something unnatural and painful going into body orifice OR insects going to my eyes or ears will make me sing like untalented fat kid at an Idols audition.

        Reply

  7. TiMsTeR I miss Gta V

    September 20, 2013 at 11:16

    Looks fine to me!

    Reply

  8. Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

    September 20, 2013 at 11:19

    Not a fan of the whole exacting torture. Even in a digital form.

    Reply

  9. Rincemetimbers

    September 20, 2013 at 11:23

    Firstly, wow. Quite mental to actually have to choose how you dish out punishment! Meh, it’s Trevor, what do you expect. Secondly.. My worst form of torture? BRING ON THE DOWNVOTES BITCHES! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfVsfOSbJY0&noredirect=1

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR I miss Gta V

      September 20, 2013 at 11:26

      popstar bitches?

      Reply

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      September 20, 2013 at 11:27

      “what do you expect.” WHAT’S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR I miss Gta V

        September 20, 2013 at 11:27

        Trevor is insane! Like serial killer insane! Like Ted Bundy insane

        Reply

      • Rincemetimbers

        September 20, 2013 at 11:27

        In my experience, all Trevors lack the capacity to empathise, thus creating monsters, #alwaysaloneSPmonsters 0-O

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          September 20, 2013 at 11:28

          Oh, that’s alright then.

          Reply

          • Rincemetimbers

            September 20, 2013 at 11:29

            And all the Trevors I’ve met love Rebecca Black BOOM!

          • TiMsTeR I miss Gta V

            September 20, 2013 at 11:30

            no boom man

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 20, 2013 at 11:32

            Only soulless monsters love Rebecca Black, you must have met a ginger Trevor. KA-BOOOOOOM!

          • Rincemetimbers

            September 20, 2013 at 11:35

            No way man, two opposites like that, they have SOUL POWER 9000+!

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 20, 2013 at 11:37

            crushing. soul CRUSHING power.

          • TiMsTeR I miss Gta V

            September 20, 2013 at 11:38

            You guys have lost me man like decades ago.

          • Rincemetimbers

            September 20, 2013 at 11:49

            Hahah 🙂

    • Johnbacca

      September 20, 2013 at 11:49

      I prefer the death metal version of this song. It’s just so great. Hilarious.

      Reply

      • Rincemetimbers

        September 20, 2013 at 11:49

        Yeah, actually damn cool!

        Reply

        • Johnbacca

          September 20, 2013 at 11:51

          I heard the death metal version before I heard the original. Why did I ever have to hear the original?

          Reply

    • Jonah Cash

      September 20, 2013 at 12:18

      I gave you a down vote not fir this time but for whoever introduced this crap song to me in the first place!!!

      Reply

      • Rincemetimbers

        September 20, 2013 at 15:56

        Downvote byproxy! That hurts man!

        Reply

        • Jonah Cash

          September 21, 2013 at 08:49

          If you were in proximity of the man or lady who introduced this song to me I would still down vote you!! I will slap the white of this girl if I ever see her!!

          Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 20, 2013 at 12:50

      One day we will meet. And I will strangle you!

      Reply

      • Rincemetimbers

        September 20, 2013 at 12:52

        But, but, but, I do it for the children!

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 20, 2013 at 13:01

          So will I…

          Reply

          • Rincemetimbers

            September 20, 2013 at 15:56

            +1 Level UP

    • loftie

      September 20, 2013 at 13:37

      • Lardus-Resident Perve

        September 20, 2013 at 15:33

        Sounded like Christopher Walken! Epic! And much easier on the ears…and eyes.

        Reply

        • Rincemetimbers

          September 20, 2013 at 15:34

          Have you seen the original?

          Reply

          • Lardus-Resident Perve

            September 20, 2013 at 15:42

            Just a few minutes before this one. Still trying to dry the blood leaking from my ears.

      • Jonah Cash

        September 21, 2013 at 08:52

        My hand is a freakin Dolphin!!!! Whahahahahaha!!!!! @rincethis:disqus this is the version that you should use, this is 200% better!!!

        Reply

    • Lardus-Resident Perve

      September 20, 2013 at 15:21

      I don’t get it…because I have never listened to this song. Well, you need to know pain to love life, so here goes!

      Reply

      • Rincemetimbers

        September 20, 2013 at 15:32

        Don’t go to the light! Don’t!

        Reply

  10. Marius Nell

    September 20, 2013 at 11:26

    I loved the scene. I really wanted more. Kind of reminded me of Manhunt. Sad that the world needs to grow a pair. This is such crap as we did not have half this reaction to scenes in movies like Saw. Am I weird to have wanted more control of where to use the pliers or where to swing the wrench?

    Reply

  11. GTO

    September 20, 2013 at 11:26

    As long as it is made clear to people before they buy it that is it a violent game it is fine.

    Reply

  12. SaintsRowMurray

    September 20, 2013 at 11:26

    How would I torture someone?

    GRAMMA!

    Reply

  13. Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)

    September 20, 2013 at 11:27

    How is this any different from what you had to do in The Punisher? Sure its a bit more graphic, but you could torture them in The Punisher as well?

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR I miss Gta V

      September 20, 2013 at 11:30

      Wow that game was hectic hey!

      Reply

      • Unavengedavo (aka. Frik)

        September 20, 2013 at 11:40

        I loved it!

        Reply

  14. brad coetzee

    September 20, 2013 at 11:38

    Trevor killed my 2nd most favourite GTA character at the very start of his scene. I was shocked, pretty damn hard for me to play as trevor now. I f*ckin hate the guy.

    I also dont know why they made my second most favourite character such a wuss in that scene.

    see, no spoilers.

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR I miss Gta V

      September 20, 2013 at 11:39

      I dunno man, I guess Trevor is just that hardcore!

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        September 20, 2013 at 11:40

        Oh stop it you. You’re going to make me blush.

        Reply

      • brad coetzee

        September 20, 2013 at 11:45

        I guess so, ex airforce and all that.

        Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      September 20, 2013 at 11:45

      It’s suggested, but not explicitly stated, that he developed a pretty serious meth habit; which would make a broken human out of anyone.

      Reply

  15. Johnbacca

    September 20, 2013 at 11:47

    Soon we’ll be seeing American kids hooking up their brothers and sisters to car batteries. And it’s all GTA’s fault!!

    Reply

    • Rincemetimbers

      September 20, 2013 at 11:50

      Soon?

      Reply

    • That Tall Twit

      September 20, 2013 at 11:50

      Ain’t they doing that already?

      Reply

      • Johnbacca

        September 20, 2013 at 12:07

        Like, no way. They’re like too clever for that. They’re like the smartest country on earth like.

        Reply

        • That Tall Twit

          September 20, 2013 at 12:17

          I agree.

          Reply

          • Hammersteyn

            September 20, 2013 at 12:50

            LOL we don’t even exist

          • That Tall Twit

            September 20, 2013 at 12:52

            Yeah :<

          • Brian Murphy

            September 20, 2013 at 21:18

            I sincerely hope none of you are ever repeatedly and consistently marginalized and stereotyped like I am on this board.

  16. Xelus

    September 20, 2013 at 12:02

    Remember, the gaming industry (game developers) is catering more for kiddies these days, not grown ups, so obviously, eventually the mainstream media would moan about this. Anyway, I’ve seen worse in games than this, shooting legs off and all sorts of guts and glory.

    Reply

  17. Its Just a Ride

    September 20, 2013 at 12:13

    Just got my copy of the game in the mail (and right in time for the long weekend) I do prefer the digital torture, Can’t stand the movie T Porn of today…. Does that make me a hypocrite? I don’t care. GTV V Baby!!!!!!

    Reply

  18. Mathias

    September 20, 2013 at 12:25

    It’s a little disturbing, but nothing more. It does make you use the 4 methods in order to get gold in the mission, but the commentary Trevor makes later it does add to the story and the character.

    Meh, people really do like to whine.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 20, 2013 at 12:49

      Come on it’s Trevor. Of course he’s gonna do something sick.

      Reply

      • loftie

        September 20, 2013 at 13:41

        I wonder how he had the stamina to do all that anyway lol

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          September 20, 2013 at 13:46

          Drugs?

          Reply

          • loftie

            September 20, 2013 at 14:18

            true dat lol 😛

        • Marc O Polo

          September 20, 2013 at 14:34

          crystal meth…

          Reply

  19. Hammersteyn

    September 20, 2013 at 12:49

    What about Ride to Hell: Retribution? Deep Silver is torturing gamers and no one bats an eye?

    Reply

  20. Shafto Way

    September 20, 2013 at 13:07

    No one is forced to play the game or any of its missions. If you dont like the game put it away or play it later. Besides it clearly states 18+ on the front and back of the case and even on both discs hard to not notice this really so if a minor plays this game they have already broken the law and shouldnt be playing it anyways. GTA V is a video game so the torture scence isnt really real its in a virtual world.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      September 20, 2013 at 13:09

      If Skynet ever came to power :

      SAW = fine it’s a movie
      GTA = not fine, it;s a game
      LOGIC missing, kill human race!

      Reply

    • Mynameisme

      September 20, 2013 at 15:23

      Well it’s actually up to the parent to allow their children to play the M rated games (I’m in the States) and if the parent allows it then they can play, the ESRB rating is just a recommendation….Just saying.

      Reply

  21. Brady miaau

    September 20, 2013 at 13:47

    sleeping dogs went pretty far with a torture scene.

    This seems further, as you are “doing” it. that is not cool.

    What next, rape fantasy games? (Rape Lay?)

    No, this is over the top and should be stopped because IT IS ACTIONS YOU, THE PLAYER, ARE CONTROLLING. This crosses, in my opinion, a moral boundary.

    But as Shafto Way says, you are not forced to do this (let us not get into a debate on 100% completion achievements) and the game is for mature audiences only. (but we all know that kids play this, right?)

    Reply

  22. Stephen

    September 20, 2013 at 14:48

    Rockstar was trying to make a statement about government use of torture, It’s a pity that’s lost on the intellectually shallow.

    Reply

    • Brady miaau

      September 20, 2013 at 15:13

      Having not played the game yet, I cannot argue with this.

      I am curious as to why you say this though? Do you find something satirical in the scenes?

      Reply

      • Timothy Spydah Webb

        September 20, 2013 at 19:17

        Right after the torture scene there is a dialogue about government torture that supports what Stephen posted

        Reply

  23. Brian Murphy

    September 20, 2013 at 17:33

    It’s got an age rating, and it’s a tongue in cheek reflection on segments of America circa late 90’s early 2000’s. Some of my fellow American’s may disapprove, and that’s probably why there was such a big backlash against the ‘enhanced interrogation techniques’ in the States when the information came to light (Of course, I find it rather odd that people simply don’t assume it’s going on, naivete if you ask me), but it doesn’t make it any less part of our history.

    You buy the game, you buy the console, and you sit down and play the game. All these choices you make yourself, it isn’t forced upon you. Given what you could do in Manhunt, I don’t think this crosses any line.

    Reply

  24. Marcus Anderson-Smythe

    September 20, 2013 at 20:35

    You know what I find very interesting? So many people are saying how the torture seen is going “too far”, and feminists are saying how “sexist” this game is for having nude women, yet nobody, and I repeat “NOBODY” has once made an uproar about how Trevor raped the man he was staying with, leaving the poor guy distraught, crying, and dwelling in despair.

    Where is the uproar for the man being raped?

    Reply

    • Gavin Mannion

      September 20, 2013 at 21:00

      I haven’t played it yet but that seriously sounds disturbing

      Reply

      • Brian Murphy

        September 20, 2013 at 21:16

        Disturbing, yes. But, it’s a stark reality. Of the estimated 26,000 service members of the US military who experienced unwanted sexual contact, 53% involved attacks on men, mostly by other men.

        Reply

    • Brian Murphy

      September 20, 2013 at 21:13

      Men are bad mmmk? Haven’t you been listening to the past 20 years of studies, just to prove how worthless we are? And people wonder why we’re so apathetic to the world around us.

      Reply

    • Brady miaau

      September 21, 2013 at 19:28

      wow. I am just speechless

      Reply

      • Marcus Anderson-Smythe

        September 21, 2013 at 20:31

        You can also be raped yourself in the game, although it is less implied. You get tazzered and put in a van, waking up in your underwear.

        Reply

      • Marcus Anderson-Smythe

        November 19, 2013 at 17:30

        Feminist arguments will do that to people.

        Reply

  25. Kid Comi

    September 21, 2013 at 16:29

    Does not bother me, it’s a game, it’s simulated, if you don’t like it, fine don’t play, just don’t take from those who want it….

    Reply

  26. Rockstar

    September 22, 2013 at 20:51

    Good to see he can walk after a wrench to his left knee…..?

    Reply

  27. Jakob

    September 22, 2013 at 23:14

    The scene was quite extreme, but the feel of it was sort of diffused, not all that serious.

    Reply

  28. Waffles

    September 22, 2013 at 23:41

    The power of the scene is in that it is forced upon you – you play as a maniac, but it underlines that YOU are not THE MANIAC. Character is not a direct representation of you, otherwise it wouldn’t be a character, it would be an avatar for you; you are not meant to fully immerse yourself in the protagonists thoughts, but only to observe their point of view and draw your own conclusion from there onward. Rockstar asks, “are you comfortable with this?” as most of us are not. But when we are, the difference is, that the knowledge was already there. Rockstar raises a mirror in front of our face and has the guts to put us in a place, where we don’t feel good, safe, or righteous. And that’s why that scene is justified.

    Also – this game is for adults only. If you buy this game for your children and you have not educated yourself to know that this scene is there, the blame is on YOU.

    Reply

  29. tom

    September 23, 2013 at 01:54

    the problem here isn’t who’s being exposed to the scene, it’s the way the scene is done in the first place. it’s a very realistic and graphic portrayal of torture, and when it comes down to it, that kind of torture is perhaps the worst thing that could be done to another human being, because it involves a constant amount of excruciating pain while also keeping the victim alive. Even when the victim begs for mercy or death, the pain is still inflicted. the scene is also played extremely seriously with no signs of satire, and this is the kind of thing that the American government has actually done. in the end it’s a matter of morality and human decency

    Reply

  30. Jack

    September 23, 2013 at 20:53

    For better or worse this scene didn’t really phase me. It wasn’t a favorite scene or one that I hated, just neutral. I think it’s also worth mentioning that Trevor himself gives a monologue about how torture actually doesn’t work and people torture just to get kicks.

    Reply

  31. peregrine21591

    September 24, 2013 at 12:48

    I have to say, I’m not particularly looking forward to this part of the game – I’m a delicate soul and I’m likely to find it upsetting, however, this game is rated at the highest age rating and anyone buying or playing this game should expect violence. It’s and integral part of GTA games

    Reply

  32. Responder

    September 24, 2013 at 18:22

    What is wrong with some of you!?
    “Wonder if you get cash from the toothfairy for each tooth pulled?” (I took this as an example, I don´t want to be mean to you.)
    I guess that if you would be ordered to torture a man, you would say “NO”. Besides, Trevor is a madman.
    What I want to say is that GTA V, or Rockstar has gone way too far with this scene (mission). Many 14-15 year olds play this game because their parents in most cases don´t care about the games their children are playing. And I believe that Rockstar knew this. So why put a cruel and disgusting scene like that in a game that so many young people play?
    A torture scene is way than gone too far, but a SUCCESSFUL torture is ever worse! That makes children think that this way of working is a good way to get information. This is not good for them, and sooner or later neither for anyone.
    It´s often these children who later in their lives become criminal or supporting someone who´s doing a crime!

    I think many people agree with me. And if you guys also think about it, you may actually realize that this is not the way to go.

    I do not complain on GTA V, I love this game! But the developers have gone too far with this scene, and if you ask me, with Trevor too.

    Reply

  33. Responder

    September 24, 2013 at 18:22

    What is wrong with some of you!?
    “Wonder if you get cash from the toothfairy for each tooth pulled?” (I took this as an example, I don´t want to be mean to you.)
    I guess that if you would be ordered to torture a man, you would say “NO”. Besides, Trevor is a madman.
    What I want to say is that GTA V, or Rockstar has gone way too far with this scene (mission). Many 14-15 year olds play this game because their parents in most cases don´t care about the games their children are playing. And I believe that Rockstar knew this. So why put a cruel and disgusting scene like that in a game that so many young people play?
    A torture scene is way than gone too far, but a SUCCESSFUL torture is ever worse! That makes children think that this way of working is a good way to get information. This is not good for them, and sooner or later neither for anyone.
    It´s often these children who later in their lives become criminal or supporting someone who´s doing a crime!

    I think many people agree with me. And if you guys also think about it, you may actually realize that this is not the way to go.

    I do not complain on GTA V, I love this game! But the developers have gone too far with this scene, and if you ask me, with Trevor too.

    Reply

  34. the truth

    September 25, 2013 at 01:36

    so whats more wrong? a game with an 18 rating with a torture scene or a mother who buys this game for her 10 year old son without a care in the world what she is exposing her child to???

    as an adult who plays gta v i couldnt careless what content rockstar add in the game after all
    its the game you steal cars, shoot cops, blow stuff up, visit strip clubs, feed strangers to cannabals
    do bank heists and yes torture people without a care in the world.

    so dont blame the game blame the mothers!!!

    Reply

  35. Jack

    October 3, 2013 at 13:54

    I enjoyed this level very much, actually. It was nice to give the player interaction and control over how he or she goes about the objective. The game was given a “mature” rating for a reason. Plus the outcome is quite underwhelming as (spoiler alert) the victim does not die

    Reply

  36. Pedo-dinosaur

    October 5, 2013 at 21:30

    That is fucking awesome!!

    Reply

  37. Luke Floyd

    October 6, 2013 at 21:12

    This part really is terrible. Not a fan of it at all. The game overall however is great and alot of fun. But this particular part…no

    Reply

  38. Vic 2.0

    December 11, 2013 at 04:01

    GTA 5 went too far… when it was made. The poor quality of the game as a whole is a crime against humanity. The protagonists are pathetic, the story is something you can’t force yourself to give two shits about, they removed so many good features of previous games and put so many crappy ones in (i.e., traded emergency vehicle missions for dog training, the jetpack for yoga, *whispers “fun real estate ventures for softcore porn”*), they STILL have the worst hand to hand and melee combat of almost every game out there, and even the size of the map which was supposed to be a good thing inadvertently HURTS your enjoyment of the game. That’s because getting from one part of it to another is always a hassle if not a bore.

    The game LOOKS great though. One big, beautiful disappointment.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Check Also

Rockstar Reveals New Details and Gameplay of GTA: Trilogy Definitive Edition

After months of rumours, Rockstar finally announced a remaster of three classic GTA titles…