In the trailer of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition the Confederate flag has been removed from Phil Cassidy’s T-shirt.

The remaster of three of Rockstar Games’ greatest games was announced last Friday with a trailer, showcasing polished graphics and improved textures, while still maintaining the essence of the original games. However, this compilation of GTA III, GTA Vice City and GTA San Andreas is already a subject of controversy. Apart from the divided opinions about the graphical and technical overhaul, a debate broke out regarding a Confederate flag that has been removed in the trailer.

The Confederate States of America flag used to be on the T-shirt of Phil Cassidy, a character who appears after about the 33rd second of the video. However, instead of his signature T-shirt, he now wears a black one in the trailer, which has a skull on it, replacing the reference that the original games used to have. This has not gone down well with some fans, who see it as a gesture to avoid confrontation by softening the tone of the original titles.

The GTA series has always alluded to politics by taking a clear stance on some of its points. The use of this flag was a way of mocking the conservative southerners who often claim this symbol. One that, unfortunately, has recently become topical due to the appropriation of it by many racist groups in American society.

GTA: The Trilogy arrives on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch on 11 November in digital format, and it costs €59.99. We will have to wait for the physical version until 6 December. Rockstar has removed all three games from online shops to prepare for the release, so if you don’t already have them, buying the compilation will be the way to get them.

Source: PCGamer