Introduction

Grand Theft Auto V creates a vivid, dynamic world. But its biggest flaw lies in its NPCs, who often act irrationally, forget quickly, and break immersion.

Fake Realism
NPCs seem alive at first, walking, talking, and interacting. But follow them too long and they vanish or repeat, revealing scripted patterns.

No Memory, No Meaning
NPCs forget interactions instantly. Punch them and they panic—walk away, and it’s like nothing happened. The city doesn’t react long-term to your actions.

Poor AI and Pathfinding
Pedestrians get stuck, glitch, or overreact. Driving AI is worse, causing crashes during minor events, undermining realism.

Fragile Reactions
Even small threats send NPCs into total chaos—screaming, crashing cars, and fleeing irrationally. It’s dramatic but unrealistic.

Lack of Civilian Depth
Citizens don’t report crimes, retaliate, or show long-term responses. They serve as background, not part of a living city.

No Group or Social Behavior
NPCs act alone—never in groups, never with social awareness. There are no protests, no community response, no societal change.

One Size Fits All
Trevor, Michael, or Franklin—NPCs respond the same. They don’t acknowledge who you are or your history, missing a major roleplay opportunity.

Police and Public Disconnect
During police chases, NPCs don’t act like modern citizens. They don’t record, share, or respond socially—just flee or ignore events.

No Class or Culture Differences
All NPCs act the same, whether rich or poor. GTA V mocks capitalism, but doesn’t reflect economic variety in ambient behaviors.

Fixing the System
Rockstar could add persistent memory, smarter reactions, social mechanics, and character-specific responses in GTA VI.

Conclusion

GTA V builds a visually stunning city, but its NPCs are shallow, forgetful, and reactive. For true immersion, Rockstar must give them life beyond chaos.