2. Megastrophic

After the success of the first Grand Theft Auto, a second title nearly didn’t happen. Its original label shut its doors – meaning Sam Houser and a group of friends took the chance that would change video gaming forever.

They’d move to New York and begin Rockstar Games: the iconic label that would take GTA into the future. Keen to stamp their identity on the scene, they were poster children for a new generation of video games.

With Grand Theft Auto III, they would ignite a firestorm of criticism that would see them gain true notoriety.

GTA outraged the American political establishment with its depictions of violence toward sex workers and police – yet was a game comparable to any mature movie, with its remarkable new cinematic style.

It all placed Rockstar Games at the pinnacle of game-making cool.

WARNING: This podcast contains adult language, depictions of violence and themes of a sexual nature.

This podcast was first published in November 2022, and has been edited and updated in October 2026.

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CREDITS:

Written by Ciaran Tracey and Chris Warburton Presenter: Bugzy Malone Presenter: Chris Warburton Mixing and Mastering: James Bradshaw Assistant Producer: Gabrielle Gatti Additional journalism by Jo Newsholme, Helen Ledwick and Laura Conder

Executive Commissioners for BBC: Richard Maddock and Dylan Haskins Assistant Commissioner: Natalie Mace

The Executive Producer is Ciaran Tracey for Big City Nights