5. Denying Choice
Though the PC versions of Rockstar games are notorious for being poorly optimised and requiring a beastly gaming PC to run, gamers with a sufficient rig will find themselves blessed with a sizeable modding community that promotes choice over the comparable constraints of being locked in by a console. While one can appreciate why the PS3 and Xbox 360 won't allow you to import your own skins in order to look like Mickey Mouse - though making their use offline-only would prevent online abuse - the PC version in general represents the freedom that choice brings, and how it can greatly enhance the fun factor as well as the personal investment in the story and the world. Anyone who has played the Saints Row games will appreciate how much fun it is to create The Joker and run around the city, tearing shit up. That said, GTAIV did aim for a grittier, more realistic approach to the sprawling crime saga, even if it is still absolutely rooted in self-awareness and sly comedy. And while GTA is clearly made with a particular central character in mind for the sake of the story, it might not be such a bad idea to provide the player with more options, even if it does take a certain editorial control away from Rockstar. It is a juggling act, though, because Rockstar would have to form their storyline in a much more general way for that to work. Of course, this in a sense is a pitfall that Rockstar have already fallen into, as we know that customisable characters will not be happening, but we will wait until we get our hands on the game before we really judge them.