In the new podcast series, the British rapper says his experiences mirrored the day-to-day gang life in Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto.
He also talks about finding the game’s characters compelling and how it has left a lasting impression on him, like millions of others around the world.
The Manchester-born grime artist is joined by BBC Radio 5 Live’s Chris Warburton, who is also a fan of the franchise.
Across the podcast series, they explore the game’s creative achievements and real-world controversies over the past 25 years, ahead of its sixth eagerly anticipated title, which is due out in the next few months.
Although it has sold many millions of copies, Grand Theft Auto has caused controversy over its content, depicting shocking, graphic violence.
Over seven episodes, the story tells of how the game and its makers overcame it all – moral panic, politicians and critics – to reach the new era it now faces.
The podcast features the people who were in the eye of some of the game’s real-world storms – and the fans who’ve savoured its every detail.
Bugzy says: “When I was growing up, Grand Theft Auto allowed me to immerse myself into a high energy world and allowed me a freedom I didn’t always have on a day-to-day basis.
“It is a gaming experience like no other and I know that feeling is shared by millions of its fans. Getting a chance to understand the craft that has gone into making the series through the last 25 years is really exciting, and I’m really looking forward to sharing the story with you.”
Chris says: “I’ve loved Grand Theft Auto from the very first time I played the original game. It was truly revolutionary and it’s incredible to think that a quarter of a century later, I still put GTA on all the time.
“What gets me as a journalist is the story behind it and how one company, and one game, changed the entertainment world forever. As fans wait for the release of GTA6, I’m so excited to be joining up with one of Britain’s biggest rappers, Bugzy Malone, to take you through the story of a global phenomenon which helped define a generation.”
Ciaran Tracey, from Big City Nights, adds: “Grand Theft Auto is a stunning work of entertainment art. It’s challenged social mores, critiqued the society that spawned it, all while pushing the boundaries of free expression in entertainment. The story of how it did that, to become a cultural titan, is as exciting as the game itself, and becomes Big City Nights’ debut keynote narrative serial podcast.
“Big City Nights is delighted that renowned Manchester portrait artist Stan Chow and the city’s one and only Bugzy Malone have lent their talents to bringing you this story, in what is a truly Manchester production for BBC 5 Live and BBC Sounds.”
Bugzy Malone’s Grandest Game from BBC Radio 5 Live is available on BBC Sounds from today, 15 November as a seven-part boxset.
