Probably not exactly what you're looking for, but I humbly submit EVE: Online. It's definitely not set in a ghetto, and certainly lacks the more "imaginative" elements of your vision, but it is a persistent and cohesive game world somewhat similar to the one you imagine.
http://www.eveonline.com/
Yeah, she actually is hot.
hmm...
how about a greed simulator where you've got to run respected franchises into the ground?
Hi enkeixpress, OP here, I know exactly what you mean! Especially with mouse/keyboard on PC. I wonder why? Wish the study used Half-Life or something instead. Oh well, thanks for reading!