Grand Theft Auto: Long Overdue for a Woman Protagonist

As Grand Theft Auto V approaches a Steam release, gamers have continued to question whether the series will implement a female protagonist. Some fans have argued for a Bonnie-and-Clyde storyline, while others still believe the series should only have male protagonists. This week, we explore some of GTA’s history with female characters, and how a female protagonist would fit well for the open-world franchise.

[garos82]

how about you make your own open world game and make whatever gender protagonist you want and stop telling others what to do with THEIR game.

Just to be clear i wouldn't mind or oppose a female protagonist but please shut the hell up about telling others what to do with their art

[Bansai]

Female prot ? No thanks <waiting for those dislikes>

[Concertoine]

To be honest, a female protagonist could be interesting if done right. Some of GTA's best supporting characters were female.

Obviously it shouldnt be done for the sake of any bull crap "equality", only if Rockstar wants to.

[AliTheSnake1]

They can easily put a female protagonist comfortably by having multiple ones, just like GTA V. One of the three characters can be the female.

[pompombrum]

Utilizing the same sort of multiple main character storytelling, I could see a female protagonist working very well.. imagine a couple as the main cast in similar style to Natural Born Killers, I think that would make for a very interesting story and interactions.

[Mr_cheese]

Not bothered it is a male or female protagonist to be honest, just as long as it feels right and isn't forced just to comply with all this sexist bull****.

Some people need to look beyond their own nose and begin to look outside of the first world countries, then come back and spout the same bull****.

Edit - removed swearing and replaced with stars. Oppression!

[BitbyDeath]

Won't ever happen unless she is a lesbian, prostitutes are a staple of the series. They won't change that.

[Tempest317]

@bitbydeath Male prostitutes.

[Army_of_Darkness]

Naw bro... Keep them as my hoes in the game ;-)
Okay, lol! I kid..

[Dee_91]

To be honest I would love to have a female protag in GTA... Let me make this clear, this has nothing to do with equality lol
I know the whole kotaku polygon gamer misogyny shaming BS is getting annoying but don't automatically dismiss these types of request people because of it people.

@BitbyDeath
Well there are female pimps ( a lot more then you think lol). She could like "manage" the prostitutes..Man the possibilities are endless with a female when you really think about it.

[BISHOP-BRASIL]

Who ever wrote that didn't think it through or just don't know R* games. Proabably a female protagonist would be to feminism what Trevor is to countryside folks or what CJ is to african americans, an exagerated, broken, shameless stereotype that we would all take a laugh at how much absurdity can come from one of "that people"...

In fact, now I hope they make a female protagonist, one that looks just like Anita Sarkeesian or whoever else love trowing the feminism card around for no good reason. Just imagine the trolling possibilities...

[NukaCola]

I have said this for years:

I would love to see PAM GRIER play a character like Foxy Brown/Coffy set in a 70s setting. Would be awesome!

_______

Also would love to see a Chicago/Detroit area. Midwestern, cold, snowy, canadians, arabs, lakes, forests, city life, and such.

[Ares84HU]

I agree with you. No female lead in GTA!

Some games I can't imagine with a female lead like GTA. Just like others I can't imagine with male leads like Tomb Raider, Bayonetta, Dino Crisis and so on.

Make a new game with a female lead and leave GTA alone.

Thanks!

[SolidStoner]

It would be fun to see how they create new visual wobbling physics for female characters (if you know what I mean) I could run around for hours! :D

I didnt help I know.. I just could not resist for that future vision of mine ;)

[Chrischi1988]

A female protagonist can be interesting, but not if it is forced like that. If the creativity of the minds of GTA storymakers find a good way, one that is not forced by feminists, then it will be more than good, but nobody wants forced stuff, as it lowers the quality by not letting the creative minds do what they want to create.

And I dont get it, first feminists make, that GTA 5 is not sold anymore on many stores and now they demand this? What do feminist expect, that we all will agree? They basically try to control everything with their fury way and it has to stop at some point. This is not about equality, it is about too much sand... well you know.

And even if there were a female protagonist, then feminists will be against it again, because she is too beautiful. For feminists, a female protagnoists has to be fat and ugly to be taken serious.

[Pogmathoin]

What if Rosie O donnell was the voice!

[slate91]

Well said

[IxWoodstockxI]

Hell yeah. I hate these white knights and activists hating on GTA games. I love GTA V just like it is, well maybe have a better music soundtrack, but other than that it is so freakin fun.

[Mikeyy]

Exactly! Why should R* go out of there way to please these feminazis when they are the ones getting the game banned off the shelves.

Screw that. Also white knights are the worst. All virgins.

[solid_snake3656]

You should be able to create your own soundtrack, and add it to a specific radio station.

[TheXgamerLive]

Yep. Sane here.
For me personally, if I play a GTA game I don't want a female protagonist, that's not a GTA game nor do I want it to be politically correct or any NORM term of society as its not that game its GTA grand theft auto this is a males game (for the most part) and should continue that style. I don't want a male lead in tomb raider or bayonetta either.

[Clarence]

I have to agree with you. I'm definitely not interested in playing as a female. At least not as the main character.

[aliengmr]

Yea, because gamers never complain about anything. I never see dev forums with gamers inserting their 2 cents. They don't overreact to stupid things like hair styles, they know its not their place to criticize art.

Feedback is dangerous for art. Thankfully gamers know this and are content to remain silent and let the creators provide the entertainment gamers crave free of useless feedback.

[Godmars290]

Actually, know what would work? Bully with a female main character. A girl in a Catholic/private high school who just terrorizes the place.

[MoveTheGlow]

That's kinda amazing, and it should happen.

[Godmars290]

Thinking more about it, didn't Rockstar themselves have that idea for a Bully 2?

[PickAShoe]

mean girl theif auto

[LackTrue4K]

They could make a DLC with 4 hour long story.

[MoveTheGlow]

I think that would be a step in the right direction, too. Bring in a new writer for DLC with a really different feel to it, just like with the GTA4 DLC. Then, do whatever you want with GTA5 with what you've learned.

[Audiggity]

BOOM!

You just aligned your 5 fingers perfectly and slapped the shit out of those whiny little douche nuggets.

Well said.

Bubble vote.

[xxBiG_BoSSxx]

Exactly! Don't tell devs what to do with their art. Ever. Unless its

Infamous
Final Fantasy XIII
DMC
Resident Evil
Killzone 2

or any other game ever made ever discussed on n4g.

[Mr Tretton]

The idea is just unrealistic. Women just don't go crazy in the same way.

They should make a 'Cheat on him, divorce him, get full custody and take all his money' simulator for female psychopathic thrills.

[Blaze929]

no thanks. It's all fun and games until you shoot and kill a female. And honestly, I'm not trynna have R*/Take-Two in some mess because a bunch of females have a problem.

[clouds5]

I'm against that because of story reasons. The devs want to tell a story and they have designed characters for it. They have freedom of speech and can do whatever they want with their characters.
If they realise 3 male characters fit their story that is FINE. If they wanna make a 3 female gta next that is FINE. At least as long as the are not forcing themselves to satisfy any society fotm bullshit.

[Number-Nine]

GTA is long overdue for a North Korean protagonist.

[Gamer1982]

They won't do it.. The fact is they get enough crap for their games imagine the crap they would get if they did make a lead female who went around beating up other women and males?? Womens rights groups would have a field day saying its a bad image blah blah.. Don't give these weirdos more fuel for their fires I say.

[MEsoJD]

Well said.

[360ICE]

Jesus Christ, talk about an overreaction.

A quick question, would you really have reacted the same way if the article was titled "Grand Theft Auto Long Overdue for a Chicago-setting"?

People tell developers what they want all the time. Nevermind the millions of people who said that they wanted GTAV to be in San Andreas, before it was announced that that was actually going to happen, people request everything from characters to location and themes.

The writer isn't trying to force the developer to do anything. It's simply an opinion or a request much in the same way someone would walk over to the DJ booth at a club and request "One More Time". Sure, the club-goer makes a good argument for Daft Punk revolutionising the EDM-scene, but at the end of the day, everything is still at the DJ's discretion.

[ZombieKiller]

I'm all for a female protagonist but not with GTA and the way that people that DON'T play the game treat it. It's the catalyst for attacks on violence and other groups that have a hair up their asses about violent video games and other stuff like it.

I could see a female protagonist SOMEHOW causing a shitstorm for us gamers. If they do a female protagonist, I say make the choice be up to the gamers. Do a story connected to a customizable character ala Mass Effect (Male side and Female side)....if not, just do a regular guy character and keep it safe.

[goldwyncq]

This is what feminism in the 21st century has been reduced to - criticising games for not having a female protagonist.

[rdgneoz3]

And attacking things like the Fine Young Capitalists which was/is actually trying to help women...

[Godmars290]

No. Demanding that men make games for women. Not making games for themselves, but take a proven product and complain until its made to their standards while ignoring any others. Like any preferences the majority/male audience like the game for.

[SilentNegotiator]

"Demanding that men make games for women. Not making games for themselves"

Until they want to attack the industry for not hiring all of the women not applying for development jobs.

[Audiggity]

Would it count if someone did a PC mod to play the game as hookers? Then you could play a pivotal role on any street corner you'd like!

You could show off your feminine powers by naming your own prices and offering promotions to Johns.

That will satisfy the SJWs for sure...

[PaleMoonDeath]

No thanks, can't put my brutal mentality into something like that.

[chrissx]

No,Gta isn't overdue for that. All I care about is rockstar making their games as they see fit

[DougLord]

The only game I have ever played as a female (ignoring having a female in my party like in BG or DA and ignoring DOTA2) was Metroid. I think such a game would turn me off. As I can imagine being forced to play as a male might turn off many girls. However, I feel like there are a lot more gaming men like me, then gamer girls that would refuse to buy a game with a male main character. The solution, have a choice. I'm not really into games where I can't customize my character anyway. Race, class, sex, skills, stats.

[ApolloTheBoss]

Honestly, it's never enough for these feminists. There always has to be something more. Just accept that some games are better off without a female protagonist. Would you honestly WANT to see women portrayed as serial killers? Is that sending a good message? I prefer to see women as the loving, caring, motherly type but that's just me I guess.

[DarXyde]

I don't think it's ever enough for anyone.

Hatred got put back up and the fans were requesting SJW NPCs. Like, really? The game is already back up, be content.

But I do disagree on some games being better off without a female protagonist. I think Metroid blew everyone's mind and you do have games where women are portrayed as serial killers, but as villains.

Personally, it really doesn't matter to me. I've been waiting for a Metal Gear Solid game detailing the rise of The Boss, but that's just me.

[ApolloTheBoss]

Agreed. And don't get me wrong I'm not some kind of sexist who prefers certain feminine stereotypes. I wouldn't mind seeing a fem. protag. in GTA if Rockstar did it in the next game, but to do it just for the sake of pleasing feminists is not the way it should be done. They should it just because they want to.

[error13]

Go play tomb raider, better yet go and tell square Enix to make an open world tomb raider where you can ride and shoot things.

[ThatArtGuy]

I don't know about you people, but I'd prefer playing as a woman if I'm playing in third person. I'd get to see a woman's backside for hours on end than a guy's.

[IxWoodstockxI]

LMFAO!!!! It's a game dude. Sad if you get off by watching a fake woman's back.

[SilentNegotiator]

I wasn't aware that enjoying the female form meant automatically "getting off"...

@ThatArtGuy
Did you make that avatar? Did you turn the Gimp color selector into a Mondrian? Because that's genius.

[ThatArtGuy]

It's from Photoshop, but the effect is the same. It's nice that someone has some intuition around here. LOL

[SilentNegotiator]

I guess I forget just how closely gimp rips...erm, is inspired by photoshop, sometimes. lol

Either way, that is a really neat image.

[mediate-this]

I laugh at guys like you, i can play as a girl look at a pixelated female hahaha. Get some real vagina bucko, then you wont have to settle for video game ass.

When i play vids i wanna try to put my self in my avatars shoes, get lost while im playing. I do t take female tough guy roles seriously.

[Nwah]

If you're focusing on the character's backside moreso than the game itself, maybe porn collecting is more your hobby?

[Audiggity]

Gentlemen, gentlemen, relax!

I know this is N4G.com and the protocol is to instantly jump down people's throats as soon as they something... errr... unique?

But, perhaps, ThatArtGuy is joking?

And if not, that shit's weird yo.

[ThatArtGuy]

Holy cow, there's no sense of humor here...

[TotalSynthesisX]

People with a sense of humor? On N4G? lol

[kenwonobi]

How would a female protagonist even work when there are hookers walking the street as part of gameplay? Think about what the female protagonist would do in the game? Going to strip clubs? Shooting people and running them over? The sex scenes? What would they show her doing? It doesnt make any sense unless there is a huge backlash coming.

[aLucidMind]

GTA doesnt need to have hookers. Though they could easily have random NPCs pull over, pick a hooker up, and go someplace private. Perfect way to introduce muggings.

Plenty of women go to strip clubs, and not just to see male strippers. Murder and running people over also isnt exclusive to men. Just play Saints Row as a female protagonist, its done right and feels natural as opposed to the whole forced equality crap.

[Spotie]

Saints Row is similar, but still not the same. It's a less serious GTA, completely going over the top where even GTA wouldn't. Therefore it's easier to supplant male or female.

But GTA is, as a franchise, geared toward a male protagonist. There's no reason to start changing that.

Here's the weird thing: I have quite a few female friends who play games like GTA, Call of Duty, and Gears. Not once have I ever heard any of them complain that the protagonists weren't female. Cuz, see, they appreciate the games for what they are.

I know! I'll start a petition to have Bayonetta and Faith become male! We need a male Lara Croft, too! The Tomb Raider franchise is long overdue for a male protagonist!

/s

[aLucidMind]

I appreciate games for what they are as well. All I am saying is that a GTA game as a female protagonist is just as viable as one with a male protagonist. The core would remain the same and it wouldnt be negatively effected by having a female lead.

Not once did I say I felt that it was "overdue". Would it be nice to have more female protagonists out there within the gaming industry as a whole? Yes. Am I saying developers are required to do add more female protagonists? No, so please dont put words in my mouth.

[DarXyde]

If Rockstar's games are really great, gender shouldn't matter and they should be able to change it up however they like. If it doesn't sell as well, I think that paints a pretty scary picture.

Not cosigning to it, but I'm not condemning it either. If such a game turned out great, it should be on its own merits where the lead happened to be female. The game should sell the game.

[Acquiescence]

but rather more about whether they're intriguing/likeable or not. Give me more awesome leads like Michael de Santa, Trevor Philips and Tommy Vercetti, and less ones like Niko Bellic.

[MilkMan]

Agreed. Id like to see that.

[Dogsuferer24]

Having a female protagonist doesnt fit the story they are trying to tell end of story. Same criticism disney gets for having white princesses. Why isnt there a mexican princess! because we havnt come up with a story that requires a mexican princess. People want devs and filmmakers to go out of their way to include minorities characters just because they feel likes it's unfair. dumb

[aLucidMind]

Most stories can fit either men or women into it, GTA included. Just look at Saints Row and Mass Effect. While female protagonists shouldnt be forced down our throats, it may be a bit refreshing to see one a bit more often than usual.