The Grand Theft Auto series is such a powerhouse franchise at this point that its easy to forget its humble origins. The first two games were modest successes outside of the UK, and it wasnt until the release on Grand Theft Auto III on the PS2 that the series became enormously popular, but with that popularity came intense media coverage about its violent and sexual content. Suddenly, Grand Theft Auto III was being painted as a threat to public health and a corruptor of childhood innocence. It was held up as yet another example of the 'dangers of video games'. Rockstar was attacked and threatened with legal action by lawyers like the now disbarred Jack Thompson. And this scrutiny continued as the series continued to gain popularity, culminating in the now infamous hot coffee scandal that surrounded Grand Theft Auto San Andreas. Of course Rockstar survived all legal attacks and accusations, and the GTA brand continues to flourish. It appears that most of the critics have gone silent and media outrage has died down over the years, while Grand Theft Auto has been accepted into mainstream popular culture. Grant Theft Auto remains a perfect example of the kind of adversity a controversial game can face when it succeeds in such a short amount of time.