Grand Theft Auto V Features Real Gang Member Voice Actors

The Grand Theft Auto series has been nothing but a lightning rod for controversy over the years, and Grand Theft Auto V is no exception.

In an interview with Chicago’s WGN radio station, GTA 5 producer Lazlow Jones revealed that Rockstar Games cast real life gang members as voice actors to portray gang members in their game.

"…We recruited a guy who gets gang members, like actual gang members, real gang members. I mean, El Salvadorian gang dudes with amazing tattoos and one of which literally had gotten out of prison the day before. And we brought these guys in to record the gang characters because you know, you don’t want a goofy LA actor who went to a fancy school trying to be a hard gang member. There’s nothing worse than that."

This news poses the moral dilemma of whether or not it is the right thing to do, to pay former and (potentially) current criminals in such a way. There’s one side of the argument that says Grand Theft Auto V is glorifying terrible behavior by rewarding gang members for their actions. It is very easy to argue that it is a video game, and that you don’t absolutely need to get real-life versions of the game’s characters in order to portray the ins and outs of being a gangster. If the game’s writers can’t immerse themselves into that world, into the minds of these gangster characters, then hire better writers.

On the other hand, the Grand Theft Auto series has been praised countless times over the past decade for its dedication to authenticity. Hiring these gang members doesn’t truly state that Rockstar approves of this lifestyle, but more about telling their side of the story correctly from the view of those who saw it firsthand. Many actors on the popular HBO drama “The Wire” were former gang members and other sorts of criminals, with the series being praised for accurately portraying Baltimore police, drug dealers and gang members. If none of the actors voicing parts for Grand Theft Auto V are committing crimes while working for Rockstar Games, why should the company be responsible?

It is a very difficult subject that questions our morals and what we are willing to be okay with in the sake of art. So, GameSiders, where do you see yourself on this subject? Write down your thoughts in the comments section below.