Virtual Vacations: Exploring California via Grand Theft Auto V

by A.T. James

Rockstar Games created the ultimate way to explore California with their near-perfect replica of the Golden State depicted in Grand Theft Auto V .

Their imitated world shows how a semi-fictional digital space can become a close replacement for the real thing and how, through improved technologies, the idea of virtual tourism can be expanded through video games.

The game’s close attention to detail and interactive play opportunities have helped propel the idea of video game induced tourism as Grand Theft Auto V continues to show how a video game can become an immersive tourist destination.

This in-depth look into the touristic aspects of the game will show how Grand Theft Auto V makes it possible to explore California without ever leaving your couch.

119 pages, Paperback

Published August 7, 2023

About the author

A. T. James writes about business, recreation development, alternative tourism, and evolutionary marketing. A. T. James holds a Master of Business Administration from West Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Stanislaus.

A. T. James lives in the Sierra Nevada foothills in California. Outside of writing, A. T. James also enjoys photography, traveling, spending time in the forest, and dreaming up new business ventures.

Reviews

[Aaron James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writeup about how great Grand Theft Auto V represents the real-world city of LA and other staple features of California. This is short, but gives great examples of how the game provides a place much like the real thing. An overarching theme is the sense of community that the game has helped to create even a decade after it was released.

Great read that I would recommend to anybody that's passionate about tourism, video games, or California in general.