Miami Beach’s ‘Grand Theft Auto’ marketing deal sparks debate

The wildly popular but controversial Grand Theft Auto game franchise is becoming a political issue in Florida as officials debate whether the real Miami should embrace its fictional counterpart.

Miami Beach commissioners voted 4-3 Thursday to move forward with a proposed marketing campaign tied to Rockstar Games' upcoming “Grand Theft Auto VI,” according to IGN. The campaign is expected to bring the city at least $3 million, with Vice City-themed branding potentially appearing around Miami Beach from Oct. 15 through Dec. 31.

The vote comes as Miami-Dade County considers a separate potential partnership with Rockstar.

County officials see the game as a possible tourism and revenue opportunity, but Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz and Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez have questioned whether the county should promote a game built around fictional crime and violence, according to Politico.

“GTA VI” is scheduled for release Nov. 19. The game takes place in the fictional state of Leonida, with its Vice City setting heavily inspired by South Florida locations including Miami Beach, Miami International Airport and the Everglades.

The Miami Beach vote does not mean Grand Theft Auto logos will cover the city's most recognizable landmarks.

Commissioner Laura Dominguez said the campaign would be “discreet,”…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/