GTA stands out as a popular crime-based open-world game where you can explore different cities, take on different tasks, and indulge in violent activities. Because of its immense popularity, many games like GTA have been adapted for mobile devices for ease of access and immersion. However, all of them feature excessive violence, crime, and R-rated materials.
This is the reason behind this blog. I’m here to alert parents so they can better protect their children from these dangers. So, keep reading!
What style of game is GTA?
GTA, or Grand Theft Auto, is both an action-adventure and an open-world sandbox video game. This means that there is plenty of action in a large city to explore, tons of missions to complete, and many buildings to interact with. Furthermore, players are given immense freedom to drive, fight, or simply walk in the entire world offered to them.
Also, in the GTA game, you take the part of a criminal who wants to become a celebrity in the underworld. The typical mission goals include the stealing of cars and robbing of banks as well as working for some gangster. In order to not get caught by police and build your reputation, you must make sensible choices for your survival.
What elements do games like GTA have?
The freedom availed to players in games such as GTA is the primary source of entertainment. The following features add to the thrill of the game:
- Open world exploration: The ability to walk, drive, and fly around interacting with people, cars, or landmarks.
- Crime-themed missions: Moreover, players can participate in a wide list of relatively dangerous jobs. From fleeing the police after a bank robbery to being part of a gang on the streets, players can ensure each mission is packed with action.
- Driving and combat mechanics: Additionally, players can ride in cars, race bikes, and even fly helicopters. The player can also deal with things chaotically or straightforwardly through the use of punches, weapons, or wits when the situation calls for it.
- Multiplayer or roleplaying features: You can play with your friends in the multiplayer option and even create your own character, which allows you to take control of your own story and character in the game.
- Mature themes: Games like GTA also include violence, crime, and foul language, which is directed towards an older audience.
Set up parental controls to keep your kids gaming safe.
10 Mobile games like GTA
If you’re a fan of GTA, then you will love games similar to it. Be happy, as in section I’m going to discuss 10 games like GTA which you acn easily lay on your mobile devices. You know every game is different in its own unique way, so you can select the one that suits you best.
i. Gangstar Vegas: World of Crime
Age rating: 17+
This game is almost similar to GTA, except it is set in Las Vegas. You take control of a fighter who gets sucked into the crime world. Moreover, there are numerous missions to complete, cars to drive, and weapons to use. You can also roam around freely, beat up enemies, and take over the crime world. Additionally, it has an enormous map that provides tons of activities.
| Pros | Cons |
| ☑️ Huge open world to explore ☑️ A large selection of weapons ☑️ Interesting missions. | ❎ High storage consumption ❎Too many ads. |
ii. Payback 2 – The Battle Sandbox
Age rating: 12+
This game specializes in action! You can partake in car racing, gang fights, or even drive a tank. Moreover, there are many different game modes, ranging from multiplayer battles to street fights. Everything is fast-paced here, so trust me, you will not become bored.
| Pros | Cons |
| ☑️ A variety of game modes ☑️ Online multiplayer ☑️ Fun action | ❎ The graphics are lacking polish ❎Missions are a bit brief. |
iii. MadOut2 BigCityOnline
Age rating: 16+
This game is perfect for people looking for a GTA-like game with a vast open world. It has a multiplayer mode, enabling exploration of the city with other players. Players can drive, engage in combat, and complete numerous missions while the carefully designed world feels alive and always offers something to do.
| Pros | Cons |
| ☑️ Large open world ☑️ Multiplayer mode ☑️ Cool vehicles | ❎ Some glitches present ❎Mediocre graphics. |
iv. Vegas Crime Simulator
Age rating: 16+
In this game, you get to experience life as a gangster in Las Vegas. You can steal cars, engage enemies in combat, and dominate the city. It’s full of action and has lots of missions to keep you occupied.
| Pros | Cons |
| ☑️ Fun missions ☑️ Simple controls ☑️ Exciting combat | ❎ Ads show up frequently ❎ Missions are repetitive |
v. Grand Gangster Miami
Age rating: 16+
The action in this game is set on the streets of Miami, where you need to complete various missions to prove your worth as a gangster. The player has the ability to steal cars, fight against rivals, and explore the city in a free manner.
| Pros | Cons |
| ☑️ Good open-world design ☑️ Seamless driving mechanics ☑️ weapons, firearms, and explosives | ❎ Character design lacks variety ❎ Graphics could be better |
vi. Los Angeles Crimes
Age rating: 17+
Los Angeles Crimes is also an open-world-freedom game. You can play single-player or with friends online. The shooting mechanics, driving, and even the parkour movement have all been incorporated into the game.
| Pros | Cons |
| ☑️ Customizable world for players ☑️ Multiplayer mode ☑️ Fun gameplay | ❎ The city sometimes feels barren ❎ Needs additional missions |
vii. Gangster Crime
Age rating: 16+
In this game, you are a rough gangster, and you play against other gangs. There are chaotic car chases, intense shootouts, and a large area you can travel around in. You can freely drive any vehicle, collect a range of weapons, and complete perilous missions.
| Pros | Cons |
| ☑️ Good action ☑️ Easy controls ☑️ Lots of weapons | ❎ Excessive ads ❎ Occasional glitches |
viii. Dude Theft Wars
Age rating: 12+
This game combines the mechanics of GTA with humorous cartoon antics. It isn’t all crime, as players can also explore the world, do stunts, and overall have a blast in a chaotic sandbox. In essence, it’s like a lighthearted version of GTA, packed with tons of fun activities.
| Pros | Cons |
| ☑️ Hilarious antics ☑️ Big world to roam ☑️ Plenty of tasks to do | ❎ Simple graphics ❎ Lack of realism |
ix. Gangstar New Orleans
●Age Rating: 17+
Another GTA-like game, but this time set in New Orleans. You play the role of a gangster aspiring to make it big and dominate the city. There are tons of missions to complete, cars to drive, weapons to use, and a whole world to explore.
| Pros | Cons |
| ☑️ Stunning visuals ☑️ A wide variety of mission ☑️ Freedom to explore | ❎ An internet connection is a must ❎ challenging for some players |
x. One State RP
Age Rating: 16+
This game offers some of the most immersive roleplay set in a huge city. You can take up different careers, communicate with other players, and live. It gives a chance to not only indulge in crime but also focus on career-building and socializing in the digital landscape.
| Pros | Cons |
| ☑️ Entertaining online role-play ☑️ A variety of job options ☑️ Freedom to explore | ❎ Requires a stable internet connection ❎ Can be slow at times |
In short, all these games offer you action, adventure, and open-world freedom, just like GTA. Some focus more on crime and multiplayer or have funny moments. No matter your interests, there’s a GTA-like game for everyone!
How do these games compare to GTA in terms of content?
For people who like GTA, it is logical to ask how these mobile games measure up. Some are very identical, while others offer a different vibe. Let’s examine the similarities and differences!
➔Quick Comparison
| Level of Violence | Multiplayer Elements | Open-World Features | In-Game Purchases | Family-Friendly | |
| GTA | High | ✔️ | Large | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Gangstar Vegas | High | ✔️ | Large | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Gangstar Vegas | Medium | Limited | Medium | ✔️ | Somewhat |
| MadOut2 BigCityOnline | High | ✔️ | Large | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Vegas Crime Simulator | High | ❌ | Small | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Grand Gangster Miami | High | ❌ | Small | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Los Angeles Crimes | Medium | ✔️ | Medium | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Gangster Crime | High | ❌ | Small | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Dude Theft Wars | Low | ✔️ | Medium | ✔️ | Somewhat |
| Gangstar New Orleans | High | ✔️ | Large | ✔️ | ❌ |
| One State RP | Medium | ✔️ | Large | ✔️ | ❌ |
What are the risks of playing GTA-like games?
Grand Theft Auto and similar games are often thrilling, but with the potential risks that come with them, especially for teens and younger children. It is crucial to acknowledge the impact these games have on insouciant players.
❌ Exposure to violent and criminal behaviour: GTA and games alike include stealing, fighting, mayhem, etc. Players take a character that performs illegal activities – this automatizes violence and crime. For children who are still impressionable, continuous exposure to these activities can shape their behaviour and/or numb them to serious issues.
❌ Inappropriate language and themes: Many themes that are included within GTA-like games are mostly filled with rudeness, slang, endorsement of mature subject matter, and strong language. Such content, often aimed at youth, can shape children to adopt undesirable attributes.
❌ Addiction risks due to open-world gameplay: With limitless cities to roam around in, deadlier missions, and seemingly never-ending side activities, the open-world nature of these games can lead the youth into addiction. Kids and teenagers alike can spend hours mindlessly playing, leading to insufficient sleep, neglected schoolwork, and poor social life.
❌ In-game purchases and gambling elements: Purchases such as weapons, vehicles, and character enhancements can be made for real money in a lot of these games. Pay-to-win features are also available in some games, such as loot boxes, wherein players buy the opportunity to win certain exclusive items. This has the potential to lead children to develop irresponsible spending habits.
❌ Online interactions with strangers: Players can connect through multiplayer options, but there is a threat that comes with it. Children and teenagers can meet people who use abusive language, harass, and solicit private details. Many younger players could get into dangerous interactions if they are not monitored.
How to manage your children’s exposure to GTA-like games?
Children can be exposed to several online threats while gaming. To prevent your child from being exposed to inappropriate content, such as violence, crime, and explicit themes, you have to actively take steps to make gaming safe. Here’s how to do it:
i. Encourage dialogue about game content and their real-world impacts
Discussing video games and their content with your child is essential. For instance, help them understand that crime, violence, and the use of strong language in these games are not acceptable in reality. Those conversations allow the child to grasp the fundamental difference between gaming and reality. Thus, they become aware of their actions and take responsibility for their gaming habits.
ii. Exploring age-appropriate gaming alternatives
Moreover, instead of allowing your kids to play inappropriate games, you may introduce fun game alternatives that are non-violent and do not involve any criminal elements. There are numerous adventure, racing, and creativity-based games that have non-harmful content. Keep in mind that when you assist in choosing games for your children, you ensure that they pick engaging and age-appropriate options.
iii. Set up controls on devices to limit content and game duration
Lastly, the most important thing is to go for parental control applications. Such apps give you certainty that your kids are digitally safe by letting you update them about your kids’ activities. Among all, I would recommend using the FlashGet Kids parental control app. By using this app, you can set daily on-screen activity time, and if kids try to breach the time limit, you will receive an instant alert.
Moreover, you can also restrict their access to explicit content and even track the apps that they use in real time. Furthermore, it also allows you to monitor your kid’s activities, owing to its screen-mirroring feature.
In short, games like GTA are entertaining but contain adult themes such as violence, crime, and immorality. So, as a parent, you need to comprehend the context of the games, impose restrictions, and look for other, safer options. Thus, if you take an active interest in your child’s gaming activities, then you can assist the child in making informed decisions regarding video games while ensuring safety.
