Border Telegraph | News | 'Gala Theft Auto'

Saturday, 17th May, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 30th April, 2008 09:00

'Gala Theft Auto'

By Ally McGilvray

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A SPOOF video promoting one of the country’s most violent computer games is set to become an internet hit in the Borders.

With the launch of the much-vaunted Grand Theft Auto IV for the Playstation this week, a local games enthusiast has shot his own version of the television advert for the controversial game in Galashiels and posted it on video-sharing website YouTube.

He can be seen dressed, like a character from the game, walking monotonously towards the camera from one scene to another in a hilarious take on the commercial which, like the original, is dubbed with a fast-paced soundtrack.

However, instead of the mean streets of the crime-ridden city featured in the game, “Gala Theft Auto” cheekily flashes from shots of the underground car park at Tesco, to Bank Street Gardens and even the local police station.

GTA, which is rated unsuitable for children, gained controversy for its adult theme and violent undertones but, on Monday, many shops were forced to open their doors at midnight to keep up with demand for the game which has sold millions of copies worldwide.

It allows the player to take on the role of a criminal in a big city and complete various missions – including bank robberies, assassinations and street racing – over the course of the game.

The YouTube video was posted on Sunday and has already recorded scores of hits.

Last year, a Galashiels double act became an internet hit with its own video versions of songs by The Proclaimers. Michael Dobson and Greig Rutherford attracted more than 10,000 views on YouTube for their spoof songs.

Their version of Letter from America entitled Brochure from the Matalan was a tribute to their home town of Galashiels.

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