Spent: The Neverending Story of the GTA. From the very first pages, you can recognize the signature style of the author of Lords of DOOM: a vibrant, expressive narrative focused on the dramatic lives of colorful personalities. Kushner once again delivers a unique approach, not by chronicling the history of the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series, but by exploring the media frenzy and public controversies that have surrounded it¹.

Spent delves into the scandalous and contentious aspects of the GTA franchise, with three key themes: scandal, intrigue, and investigation. Much of the book is dedicated to the controversy surrounding the HotCoffee mod² for GTA: San Andreas. This mod, which unlocked previously hidden sexual content in the game, sparked a significant backlash. The book also covers Rockstar Games’ legal battles with American activist Jack Thompson, who sought to ban the sale of the game and even attempted to shut down the studio itself³.

Despite the eventual resolution where Rockstar Games remained operational and the game continued to sell, the tension and drama described in Spent provide a gripping narrative. The controversy even inspired the drama Turning Point, featuring Daniel Radcliffe as Sam Hauser, one of the creators of Rockstar Games, highlighting the impact these events had on popular culture and media.

Kushner’s book offers an engaging look at how the GTA series became a lightning rod for controversy and the broader implications of these media storms. It provides readers with an insightful exploration of the intersection between gaming, media, and public perception, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the impact of video games on society.

Footnotes

Jack Thompson – An American activist known for his outspoken opposition to violent video games, including the GTA series. ↩

Grand Theft Auto (GTA) – A highly influential video game series developed by Rockstar Games, known for its open-world gameplay and often controversial content. ↩

HotCoffee mod – An unofficial modification for GTA: San Andreas that unlocked hidden sexual content, leading to significant public and legal backlash. ↩