Evolution of Rockstar Games

Controversy to praise, chaos to orderly conduct, Rockstar Games is one of the companies that have evolved into a renowned publisher in the video game industry. Over the past few years their presence in the industry has changed in a good way. Countless great titles lie under their belt, however one franchise by far is the most common one associated with their name.

Grand Theft Auto made their name legendary in the community, especially with the release of Grand Theft Auto III. This third installment took the series to a third person sand box environment and had controversy written all over it. Sexual content and violence became public concern but didn't hinder the sales at all. Grand Theft Auto III has been critically claimed world-wide and has been named by some as one of the best video games ever made.


Midnight Club and Max Payne followed Grand Theft Auto's lead in receiving good reviews and acceptance, however sales weren't on par. Both titles offer great gameplay, each bringing a unique experience to its genre. Midnight Club followed suit with the sandbox style but was strictly a racing title. Max Payne featured a traditional linear story and was one of the first mainstream games to incorporate the "bullet-time" effect throughout its gameplay. The Max Payne franchise was received well by critics, although the film rendition was not.

Rockstar Games next two titles might be their most controversial; Manhunt and Bully. Manhunt indulged in extreme graphic violence and adult content while Bully focused on misdemeanor activities in the schoolyard. Thrilling executions and psychological themes joined together to make the Manhunt series a wild ride. Bully engaged in more social activities than actual bad behavior, which was the start of a new beginning of Rockstar Games evolution.



John Marston, the main character of Red Dead Redemption, showed us the start of a new era for Rockstar Games. Critically acclaimed for being a “must-play” and receiving a few “Game of the Year” awards, it surpassed its spiritual predecessor, Red Dead Revolver. The West was indulged with a sandbox world, great gunplay, enthralling story, and enjoyable multiplayer.




On the opposite side of the law, L.A. Noire shows the true talent of Rockstar Games. A great story and new technology joined together to give players a unique experience as a law officer, far different from what players were accustomed to in their previous titles. Investigation, interrogation, and chases take the lead of major gameplay features instead of chaos and violence. Despite L.A. Noire’s differences from Rockstar Games previous titles, it has been well received by critics and consumers alike. A full review of L.A. Noire can be found here at GamersGameplay.

From playing as gangsters to LAPD officers, psychological convicts to schoolyard bullies, Rockstar Games is no stranger to controversy or praise. Throughout their variety of releases, great production quality and enjoyable gameplay are features found in each title. The video game industry has seen some of its best releases because of Rockstar Games commitment to gamers and ability to evolve as a company. The most rewarded are the gamers, who get to enjoy countless great games.