Do you think that video games can change the world? In the grand scheme of things, even the simplest of influences leave an impact, but you certainly don’t expect video games to explore philosophy. Why would they?
The concepts expressed in games don’t have to be something as life-changing as, say, college. There are certain aspects of university life that never leave you, but it doesn’t always have to reach that extreme. For some, it’s a milestone experience that changes something fundamental about how you view the world; this could be study abroad, or something of less consequence, like your first beer or hookup. A college freshman rushing Roar Omega Roar (disclaimer: I think it’s pretty obvious that I don’t own Monsters University) tells the story of his first escapade to his friends over midnight diner food. It’s part of the college cultural climate.
For others it might be centered on career-oriented goals -an internship, university engagement, etc- which is pretty cool from a professional perspective.
For me, it was less revolutionary: the discovery of a surprisingly philosophical vlogger who truly made me think. Yes, a landmark in my college career was finding a YouTuber. Judge as much as you’d like (but preferably not to my face).
Done? Good.
I watched his series in full until 1:10 AM, and its conclusion left me facing an existential crisis and scrambling for an outlet to express it. It was ingrained in my head, stubborn like a splinter. I needed to rid myself of this proverbial ailment by shedding light on whom I believe to be one of the most profound creators I’ve encountered thus far.
YouTubers sometimes get a bad rap, but I’ve recently found a less-than-conventional gaming vlogger who actually explores life and ideals through the lens of Grand Theft Auto Five. Think about that, just for a second. Out of all games and platforms, he explores pacifism through the lens of Grand Theft Auto. The concept alone is halfway between absolute genius and moronic idealism. There’s truly nothing like it.
GoldVision, the creator and star of the day, decided to pursue an idealistic lifestyle dedicated to nonviolence and peace despite the wretched climate his character was born into. Cue Francisco, his Avatar, the charming would-be mediator of GTA V online.
Francisco serving looks, © GTA V, clip GoldVision
Through Francisco, GoldVision plays as a pacifist throughout the game, and he sticks to it – the man obeys traffic lights, for crying out loud. People don’t even do that in real life.
The appeal lies in the curiosity. There’s something about Francisco’s experience that makes the whole endeavor feel like a sort of spiritual journey. Sure, he’s just going about his daily life, but it’s different in this context. In a world that begs one to be evil, Francisco is objectively good.
There are only very specific situations in which he has to engage in any sort of behavior that goes against his ideals, and each time it’s laugh-out-loud funny. Ever wondered what happens when you call the paramedics for an accident in GTA? Watch episode thirteen.
Part of what makes Grand Theft Auto Pacifist so immensely amusing is the sheer amount of activities that GoldVision has at his disposal. You wouldn’t expect it, but despite taking a pledge of pacifism, there is no shortage of extracurriculars for Francisco. He plays golf and tennis, frequents the movie theater, and spends his afternoons paying off his so-called “karmic debt” to the drug store employee that Francisco was forced to rob during the tutorial.
He also holds multiple world-records for his endeavors behind the wheel, like car races, motorcycle races, casual mountain biking… Simply because no one else does them. Francisco goes to flight school, buys an apartment, tries to find love. The latter fails, but it’s okay; he’s loved by the world. Francisco, if you’re out there… If you’re listening, you don’t need a significant other. You have legions of screaming fans.
Francisco losing a chance at love, also known as rejected.jpg © GTA V, clip GoldVision
And it’s true; the audience loves him. A lot. As the series progresses, other people online recognize Francisco. These players start to follow him like some sort of weird adaptation of Forrest Gump’s cross-country marathon.
A player steals a police car and follows Francisco before being apprehended himself, © GTA V, clip GoldVision
They respect Francisco and his goal, so they begin to arrange totally harmless get-togethers. They meet at the pier to ride the rollercoaster (I didn’t even know you could actually get on the rides!) and they sit together and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the amusement park. They also go hiking, hot-tubbing, and shoot fireworks into the sky. You know, because apparently GTA V also functions as a Sims game.
It’s amazing.
GoldVision’s brand of humor is accompanied by the periodic appearance of his surprisingly insightful comments. The journey is both comical and eye-opening as he explores philosophy, ideology, and multiverse theory. It seems impossible, to talk about the meaning of life as Francisco is attacked on-screen, but he somehow discusses it in a context that is both intriguing and hilarious. Nevermind Francisco getting shot for the sixth time that episode – GoldVision has some wisdom to impart.
“He was different than me, yes, diametrically opposed in principle; yet we were still here, imprisoned in the world together, dealing with it in our own ways. …To disregard the value of another person in a world where death would not separate them from you seemed worse of a crime than hurting them.”
– GoldVision in Grand Theft Auto Pacifist: 15 The Pilot
There’s a life lesson there, studying how the world wherein Francisco exists impacts how he must perceive it. GoldVision and Francisco choose to alter how the game demands to be played. Change the game, change your life.
Needless to say, I’ve earned a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy simply from watching the series. And really, I feel like I should be annoyed that all of his videos are so poetic given the subject matter, but it never gets old. The commentary is fresh, the topic is totally original. There’s always a take-away whether the observer realizes they’re absorbing it or not – and at the same time, we’re totally ensnared by the charisma of Francisco. You can’t go wrong in learning while simultaneously laughing your ass off.
Francisco’s sausage fingers, © GTA V, clip GoldVision
There’s a reason why Francisco is the object of adoration from his many fans, but I’ll leave you to find that out for yourself.
If this tangent isn’t enough to interest you in GTA Pacifist, I challenge you to find a more amiable string of conversations on a YouTube series. GoldVision’s comments section is the friendliest I’ve ever seen.
Not. A. Single. Thumbs. Down.
The whole situation is so goddamn wholesome that I want to vomit. I’m half-inspired, half-frustrated. I want to go ride rollercoasters with Francisco and think about my descent into the void. I want to bury myself in brochures emblazoned with slogans that say, “Is Pacifism the Right Choice for You?”
While I have my existential crisis, start your own journey with GoldVision. You won’t regret it, although I can’t promise that your perception of the world won’t be irreversibly altered. Go, be great, be blinded by the cinematic excellence that is Grand Theft Auto Pacifist.
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