GTA 5's Lazlow says real believers called him 'Kifflom'

In a fascinating twist, ex-Rockstar developer Lazlow Jones shared his experience of receiving a real-life phone call from individuals claiming to follow the Epsilon Program, the fake religion from Grand Theft Auto. Jones recounted that during the development of GTA 5, he was contacted by a woman representing supposed Epsilon believers, eager to learn more about the fictional cult. The incident, which Jones described as both thrilling and terrifying, demonstrates the influence and reach of video game narratives, even when they parody real-world phenomena like cults or pyramid schemes. Jones, now working on new projects with Absurd Ventures, highlighted the surreal nature of this occurrence in a recent interview.

Can people actually believe in a fictional religion created for a video game?

Yes, Lazlow Jones's experience with the Epsilon Program followers showcases that people can and sometimes do take elements from video games seriously, blurring the line between fiction and reality.

The Epsilon Program, a parody of Scientology, was introduced in the Grand Theft Auto series, starting with GTA San Andreas and later in GTA 5. It features prominently as a satirical critique of modern-day cults and extreme beliefs, complete with its own website and mythology. This fictional religion has fascinated players for years, becoming a memorable aspect of the GTA franchise.