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I’ve always wondered what goes on at Rockstar Games, the makers of one of my favorite franchises of all time. There’s no denying GTA’s effect on the world, Jacked covers both sides of the story. Giving us an unauthorized look into how Rockstar operates, from interviews with former employees to the Houser brother’s themselves. I just had to question some of the coverage in this book because at times it almost feels like the author jumps inside the minds of Sam or Dan Houser. Which is impossible, because he lacks the power to do so or they weren’t interviewed for this book. Most of this unauthorized access comes from former employee’s, who were close to the creators.
Honestly this book is probably the most behind the scenes access you’re ever going to get to Rockstar, it seems like they defiently like their secrets. What I took away from this book is that Rockstar has an attiude to make great games that are not only fun to play but push the envelope in interacting story telling in gaming. Its hard work and many do give their blood sweat and tears to release these games. I still dream of one day working for them, if anything this book just made me fall for them even harder. I also really love that it covers the people on the outside like Jack Thompson. Politicians, parents and even people who have committed crimes because they say GTA inspired them.
You really don’t have to be a fan of Rockstar or GTA to enjoy this book; in the end it really just reminds you how far this industry has come. How much it has grown up, it’s funny how much Rockstar and its games find themselves in the center of it all. But in order to do bold and great things, you have to be willing to go the extra mile.
*Jacked The Outlaw Story of Grand Theft Auto is a must read for fans, gamers and even people curious about the driving force behind these notorious great games.