10 Video Game Facts That Aren’t True

6. San Andreas’ Sasquatch

Gta San Andreas Bigfoot
Rockstar

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was a massive hit upon release, but there were certain elements that kept the title relevant by being bigger talking points than the game itself. First of all, the controversial Hot Coffee minigame code that had been found and would need to be removed for later releases. And secondly, the existence of Bigfoot.

Rumours that a sasquatch could be found in the forests of the game came in waves during 2005, so much so that every gaming publication was forced to mention and ruminate on it. Screenshots circulated that, just like real life, claimed to prove the existence of Bigfoot.

To muddy the waters further, modders for the GTA series saw this opportunity to cash in. Prank and hoax mods were created for gamers to share with (and mess with) your friends and so it became steadily more impossible to find the truth.

Was Bigfoot in San Andreas? And if someone could prove it, would it all turn out to be a mod?

Terry Donovan, one of Rockstar’s co-founders, was forced to make a statement that said that there was no Bigfoot in the game, in his words, “just like real life”. Still, that didn’t stop many from daring to dream.

Even over 18 years later, it’s still one of gaming’s most-discussed urban myths.

Contributor

Coming from a content creation background that now spans over two decades, Psy cut her teeth on personal video production and community radio. Originally joining the team as a writer and presenter, she added video editing duties to her responsibilities over time and became the longest-standing editor of the irreverent gaming show Tues Your Own Adventure. Psy has worked on many previews and reviews, long-form editorials (either her own, or supporting as an editor), as a frequent quizmaster and more. Praised for the two-pronged attack of her hard work ethic and light-hearted editing style, Psy is otherwise known as a font of retro video game knowledge which has caused her to rack up many quiz wins. Outside of WhatCulture, Psy runs First Aid Spray Podcast - a long-running channel that focuses on Resident Evil in all of it's forms. You can follow her on BlueSky at http://psywhite.bsky.social and Instagram at http://instagram.com/therealpsywhite