What ‘Grand Theft Auto’ Tells Us About America

It’s not just stealing cars and running from cops anymore. In the newest “Grand Theft Auto” installment—13 years and an estimated billions of dollars in the making—people in a fictionalized version of Florida can exercise, drink smoothies, pet their dog, go to the club, and so much more. The main characters are in a relationship and players will have to tend to that too. “Galaxy Brain” host Charlie Warzel talks to the gaming journalist Chris Plante about why the details of this game matter, the controversies it may unleash, the weirdest things he’s seen happen in the game, and what “Grand Theft Auto” tells us about America in 2026. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices