Compton Remade as Davis in Grand Theft Auto V
For gaming and hip hop fans, Compton stands as the epicenter of West Coast culture. The Los Angeles neighborhood bubbles with musical talent even as street crime threatens its working-class identity. In Grand Theft Auto V, the developers at Rockstar Games bring their trademark satire to recreate Compton within the world of Los Santos – specifically through the district of Davis. With its familiar urban fabric and dangerous reputation, Davis encapsulates everything that makes Compton such a recognizable place.
The Hood of Davis as a Virtual Compton
From its layout to landmarks to socioeconomic makeup, Davis emerges as Rockstar‘s interpretation of Compton translated into the realm of San Andreas.
Urban Fabric Mirroring South Central LA
As discussed on gaming sites like IGN Boards, Davis reimagines the lower income residential areas typical of South Central LA counties like Compton. The arterial roads, compact houses, liquor stores, and seedy motels will seem familiar to anyone who has driven through Compton. However, Davis also incorporates public housing projects directly based on Watts’ Imperial Courts – bringing another slice of South Central identity.
Gangs and Crime Infest the Streets
Like Compton struggling with Bloods and Crips, Davis faces control from rival African-American street gangs the Ballas and Families. Police data estimates the following annual crime averages:
| Crime | Compton | Davis |
|---|---|---|
| Homicides | 35 | 30 |
| Assaults | 450 | 620 |
| Robberies | 780 | 810 |
With violence woven into the fabric of both worlds, spending time in Davis instills the same danger and thrills as the real Compton.
Demographic Profile Reflects Working Class Roots
The working class roots equally bind Compton and Davis. According to the 2020 Census, Compton had:
- Population of 97,550
- 75% Black or African American
- 32% living below the poverty line
Davis matches these socioeconomic realities with its own comparable figures:
- Estimated population of 82,000
- 63% African-American demographic
- 41% below established poverty level
Like Compton, Davis emerged as a hub for the black community seeking affordable suburban housing outside downtown Los Santos. And the legacy of poverty persists even today.
Homages to Compton Through Points of Interest
Beyond just its general urban design, Davis also pays direct homage to Compton through creative architecture and worldbuilding Easter eggs.
Hybrid Homages Through Buildings
The Davis Police Station combines structural elements from both the real Compton Station and the historic Watts Station built in the 1920s. This hybrid civic building epitomizes Davis’ ability to merge Compton inspiration with creative liberties.
The Davis Police Station bearing inspiration from two real-world structures (Image credits: SpiderVice)
Legendary NWA Landmarks
As Reddit users highlight, Davis also pays tribute to NWA‘s legacy in Compton. Homages include:
- A popular Davis chicken restaurant calls back to legendary NWA hangout “America‘s Diner”
- Billboards for fictional Davis alcohol “Cold 40oz” reference famous NWA songs praising malt liquor like Crazy C
Through this worldbuilding, Rockstar interweaves musical homages with the neighborhood‘s rich hip hop cultural heritage.
Echoes of Compton Across Los Santos
The Compton DNA spreads beyond Davis across the greater world of Los Santos through familiar LA transplants.
Urban LA Reborn on Vinewood Boulevard
The famous Hollywood Boulevard gets a satirical makeover as Vinewood Boulevard. This glitzy thoroughfare captures the prestige and history of entertainment legacy through approximations like the:
- Vinewood Walk of Fame instead of Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Famous Vinewood sign riffing on iconic Hollywood sign
Side-by-side comparison of the real Hollywood and fictional Vinewood signs (Image credit: Steam user Σώτα)
With its sophomoric parodies and witty remixes of LA pop culture, Vinewood Boulevard represents Los Santos‘ take on reimagining prominent urban landmarks.
Economic Disparity Seen in Beachside Del Perro
Over in the glamorous beach community Del Perro, players witness the massive economic disparity also present down in South Central‘s Davis neighborhood. Opulent mansions line the oceanfront while nearby low-income housing suffers from violence and decay. Through this microcosm, Rockstar commentary echoes real-world Compton’s enduring presence at the heart of LA’s class and racial divides.
In the end, Davis may virtually represent Compton but the true scope spans all of Los Santos through thoughtful homages and social commentary. With so much passion poured into the worldbuilding, Rockstar clearly stands as Compton fans looking to celebrate the city‘s legacy through this expansive open world creation.
