1. GTA IV

2. Background Release Date: 29 April 2008 The GTA series is based around open-world gameplay; there is no fixed style or linear storyline forcing the player to complete missions in a fixed order The player can also choose not to do any missions, and just explore the world freely, or complete sidequests, such as street races

3. The Grand Theft Auto series is widely renowned for its graphic depictions of violence and crime It portrays this in a very casual, almost humorous manner, in a similar way to films such as Pulp Fiction The gameplay style varies, including elements from driving, fighting and shooting games (although this is seen from the third person, rather than the more popular ‘First Person Shooter’ genre)

4. Commercial Success Best single-day and seven day sales totals for a video game 3.6 million sold in first day Guinness World Record for highest grossing video game in 24 hours Widespread success from critics: GameInformer, GameSpot and IGN, Official Xbox Magazine and Official PlayStation Magazine all scored the game 10/10

5. Violence in GTA

6. Representation of Masculinity Each edition of GTA features a different protagonist, however they all feature a similar representation In more recent games in the franchise, characters have been given more of a backstory, for instance being betrayed by a fellow criminal, to create more explanation why they are carrying out such crimes A masculine representation is created through the use of violence and crime, the lead character who commits these crimes is never a female

7. Representation of Women Female characters in the GTA series are never given a strong character or personality A common aspect of GTA games is the use of prostitutes by the main male character The game also allows for the protagonist to kill prostitutes, in order to get their money back The represents women in a very stereotypical, degrading manner, particularly in contrast to the protagonist male character

8. Sound Ingame music is only played during driving parts of the game, as the music comes from the car radio A variety of (fictional) radio stations are included, each playing a different style of music In this clip the music is fairly calm jazz music-a juxtaposition to the chase which is occurring at the time in the game Other sounds mimic real life in a situation such as those ingame-gunshots, police sirens etc. All sound throughout is diagetic, making the game more immersive

9. Mise en scene The GTA series is well-known for its sprawling, open-ended game worlds. The game world, “Liberty City”, is based heavily upon New York.