Former GTA developer Lazlow Jones thinks real-life believers in its parody of Scientology not only might exist, but once called him to say Kifflom

Lazlow Jones, a former developer for the Grand Theft Auto series, recently shared an interesting anecdote about real-life believers in the game’s parody of Scientology. Jones revealed that he received a phone call from a person who claimed to be a follower of the in-game cult and said „Kifflom,“ a phrase used by the cult in the game.

The Parody of Scientology in GTA

In the Grand Theft Auto series, specifically GTA V, there is a cult called the Epsilon Program that is a clear parody of Scientology. The cult is known for its bizarre beliefs and practices, and its followers often use phrases like „Kifflom“ as part of their rituals. While the Epsilon Program is meant to be a humorous exaggeration of Scientology, it seems that some players have taken it more seriously than intended.

Real-Life Believers

According to Lazlow Jones, there are individuals who not only believe in the Epsilon Program but also actively follow its teachings in real life. Jones shared that he once received a phone call from a person who identified themselves as a follower of the cult and greeted him with „Kifflom.“ This anecdote highlights the blurred lines between fiction and reality in video games and the impact they can have on players.

Impact of Video Games

The incident with the real-life believer in the Epsilon Program raises questions about the influence of video games on their audience. While games like GTA are meant to be entertaining and satirical, they can sometimes have unintended effects on players, blurring the boundaries between fantasy and reality. It is important for developers to be mindful of the messages they convey in their games and the potential impact they can have on their audience.

Conclusion

The story shared by Lazlow Jones about a real-life believer in the Epsilon Program serves as a reminder of the power of video games to influence their audience. While the cult in GTA is meant to be a parody, it seems that some players have taken it more seriously than intended. It is important for developers to be aware of the impact their games can have and to consider the messages they convey to players.

FAQs

1. Is the Epsilon Program in GTA V based on Scientology?

While the Epsilon Program in GTA V is a clear parody of Scientology, it is not a direct representation of the real-life religion. The cult in the game is exaggerated for comedic effect and is not meant to be taken seriously.

2. Are there other instances of real-life believers in video game cults?

While the case of the Epsilon Program in GTA V is rare, there have been other instances of players becoming deeply involved in fictional cults from video games. It is important to remember that these cults are fictional and should not be taken as real-life belief systems.