Animals in GTA V
Animals have been rumoured to appear in several Grand Theft Auto games, although most of these are generally believed to be created using unofficial modifications. Rockstar have, however, confirmed that animals, including wildlife, will appear for the first time in Grand Theft Auto V, including dogs who will guard restricted areas and will alert enemies of the player's presence, and sharks while exploring the ocean. Around Mount Chiliad and other countryside areas, there will likely be scores of birds and deer, and possibly bears.
Rockstar has stated in the past that they do not like the idea have having children or small animals in their games[1], possibly due to the controversy that could be caused by making them killable - Although dogs were present and killable in Red Dead Redemption, another game by Rockstar. They have since stated that without wildlife in GTA V's world, it would feel "too hollow", especially due to the large amount of countryside.
Types of Animals
Dogs
Dogs will likely be the most common, as well as the most utilized, animals in GTA V. Franklin, one of the protagonists of the game, owns a rottweiler named Chop, and based on the second trailer, Chop appears to be a focal point of some missions.
Sharks
While rumored to be in previous games, sharks are confirmed to be in GTA V. According to the private demo shown to the press, they are hostile in the game, capable of attacking and killing the player. Before attacking, they circle the player in groups, gradually getting closer (similar to real shark behavior), and appear as dots on the mini-map when they are in the vicinity.
Deer
Deer are animals to be included in GTA V. The hostility of the animal in the game is unknown, though they are likely to be passive. They exist across several rural locations outside Los Santos, exact vicinities are yet to be revealed.
Others
The shadow of a moray eel can be seen in the upper left of a promotional gameplay screenshot showing a scuba diver exploring the ocean floor. Moray eels are known to bite if agitated, so this will be an added danger in the ocean in GTA V. Hands-on previews confirmed the inclusion of coyotes, bobcats and cougars in GTA V. Predatory animals will hunt other animals in the world, and most likely be a danger to the player as well.
Trivia
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was originally set to have animals, but were removed later on in development. It's possible that Rockstar could not properly program animal A.I., which they would later do in Red Dead Redemption.
Gallery
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A couple on the beach with a dog.
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Franklin and his dog Chop rolling past a liquor store.
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A shark near a scuba diver in pre-release screenshot.
References