Parallels

Rockstar Games is well known for its hidden references, innuendos and real-life allusions. This page highlights parallel events and changes between the real world and the GTA World.

Real World	GTA World
Phil Collins tours the USA in 1984	Phil Collins performs in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories in 1984.
Mirage Resorts Inc. and Circus Circus Ent. redevelop Las Vegas throughout the 1990s	Numerous references to corporations "moving the mob out" in Las Venturas.
1992 Los Angeles riots, after Rodney King was beaten up	Riots in Los Santos in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (1992), when the corrupt Frank Tenpenny is acquitted.
2000 George W. Bush became the president of the United States	Newly elected president George W. Bush 'The W' to Drop in on Liberty City|visits Liberty City.
Police Cars livery changed after 9/11	Police Cars different appearance since Grand Theft Auto III. It is assumed that Rockstar North did this as a mark of respect for the NYPD officers who lost their lives when the World Trade Center was attacked.