Which country had banned the sale of the original "Grand Theft Auto"?

The initial release of the now-iconic crime-themed game series stirred up significant controversy worldwide due to its depiction of violence and illicit activities. This top-down action game, which allowed players to steal cars, engage in shootouts, and run over pedestrians, quickly became a focal point for debates about video game content and its potential influence.

Among the countries that reacted strongly to the game's themes was Brazil, which notably banned the sale of the original "Grand Theft Auto." The decision in Brazil was largely driven by concerns over the game's violent nature, particularly the explicit ability for players to run over virtual pedestrians, a feature that garnered considerable media attention at the time. This led to its prohibition in the country during the 1990s, with reports detailing how media coverage highlighted the game's controversial elements and their perceived encouragement of crime.

The game's controversial elements were, in fact, an intentional part of its marketing strategy. A publicist was specifically hired to generate media outrage, ensuring that "Grand Theft Auto" gained widespread notoriety, often more for its scandalous content than its gameplay mechanics. This approach, while effective in drawing attention, also led to numerous calls for bans and censorship in various regions globally, cementing the series' reputation for pushing boundaries from its very inception.