The popular video game sees players dive into a world of crime and chaos, competing to rise through the criminal underworld as they pull off heists and race cars through the busy city streets.
It’s been met with both acclaim and controversy – while it’s one of the most profitable games of all time, it’s also been accused of glamorising violence.
Just as in the metropolitan capitals of the United States, Leeds is a city that has its fair share of criminal activity. We wanted to know what a GTA game would like if it was set in West Yorkshire, so asked ChatGPT to generate some ideas.
It came up with the rather unimaginative title “Grand Theft Auto: Leeds Chronicles” and gave as its setting: “A fictionalized version of Leeds, encompassing iconic landmarks like Leeds Town Hall, Kirkgate Market, the Corn Exchange, and the University of Leeds, as well as surrounding areas like the Yorkshire Dales.”
The artificial intelligence tool said the game would “revolve around a protagonist who returns to Leeds after years away, only to find the city embroiled in a web of corruption, gang warfare, and political intrigue”. The main character would become “entangled” in this underworld while also navigating personal quests and relationships.
It said that different gangs would control various parts of the city, while the game would capitalise on Leeds’ unique character including local radio stations, Yorkshire slang and “missions rooted in the city’s history”.
ChatGPT also gave a series of challenges relating to certain attractions in Leeds. Here are some of the best ones –
1. Grand Theft Auto: Leeds Chronicles
Here's what ChatGPT said would be included in a Grand Theft Auto game set in Leeds... Photo: James Hardisty/Cameron Yiasoumis
2. Smuggler's Run at Leeds Dock
Players must navigate through the intricate maze of luxury apartments, clubs, and marinas at Leeds Dock to retrieve a valuable contraband shipment. The challenge involves evading security, accessing restricted areas, and escaping through the waterways without detection. Later, a high-profile club in the dock area hosts an exclusive party. The player's mission is to infiltrate the event, participate in a dance-off competition to distract the VIPs, and steal sensitive information or an elusive artefact from a secure vault beneath the club. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
3. Academic Espionage at the University of Leeds
The University of Leeds becomes a battleground for intellectual property. Players must navigate the campus, attend lectures undercover, hack into research databases, and retrieve valuable scientific data or prototypes while avoiding campus security and rival operatives. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
4. Student rebellion
Inspired by student protests and movements, players can join or lead a student rebellion against corrupt university officials or corporate interests. The challenge involves organising protests, rallying support, evading police crackdowns, and exposing the truth through media and social networks. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
5. Victorian vendetta in Armley
In the winding streets and historic buildings of Armley, players uncover a conspiracy rooted in the city's Victorian past. The challenge includes deciphering cryptic clues, exploring hidden chambers, and confronting a secret society orchestrating events from the shadows. Photo: Bruce Rollinson
6. Parkour Pursuit at Roundhay Park
The expansive Roundhay Park becomes a playground for a high-stakes chase. Players must navigate through the park's natural obstacles, use parkour skills to evade pursuers, and reach a predetermined rendezvous point while being pursued by relentless adversaries. Photo: Bruce Rollinson