Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony Trailer

Gay visibility in video games took a big, platform shoe-accessorized step forward on Tuesday with the release of the trailer for Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony. This downloadable, nightclub-laden episode from Rockstar games, to be released on October 29 for Xbox 360, is the first video game that expressly promotes a gay character in the title.

The Ballad of Gay Tony follows the trials and tribulations of nightlife impresario Anthony "Gay Tony" Prince, according to the Guardian's Games Blog:

"It looks like the adventure may be recalling the excesses of GTA: Vice City -- the trailer is packed with Michael Bay-style explosions, parachute jumps, helicopter gunships and synchronised disco dancing. Inevitably, someone also loses their trousers. Scarface meets Studio 54 via Disco Bloodbath."

The Ballad of Gay Tony will also be part of the forthcoming retail release Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City.