Hmm. Ok.
So your point is basically that GTA is becoming too serious? I'm not trying to be a dick, I just wanna make sure I understand you so we can discuss this further.
Uhm, regardless of its tone, i think R* is pushing elements that most of the fan base do not really care for and never asked for (and are indifferent towards).
And the only reason to do this, on their part, is either for artistic integrity or to rank up some artistic cred, or both.
After San Andreas i don't know how many fans were asking to hear the tragic tale of the immigrant tricked by the American Dream, considering up until then it was all a matter of one upping on the sheer content: bigger map, more vehicles, more activities, etc..
And since GTA4 they did retcon, putting more fun stuff in BoGT etc, but they didn't really completely backtrack; if you take RDR, it's still an incredibly grounded game, with a lot of dull moments sustained mostly by a very strong atmosphere.
As for me personally, i do think the writing gets obnoxious in all three games, as their social commentary and
American self loathing is very on the nose and redundant, but i also like their approach in world building, which is very unique and passionated.
For me, GTA is about virtual tourism as much as it is about wreaking havok and player freedom, and i'm not alone in this, still, i wish they would learn to be more subtle with their stories and get their priorities straight.
If swimming is cut from the game because "out of character", then i have a problem (RDR)-- it's a matter of balancing the two elements.
I think it's about all about balance.
I mean that in two contexts: the first that they need to strike a balance between a compelling story and fun gameplay and secondly that they need to balance cutscenes and gameplay driving the narrative forward.
IV was out of balance in both regards.
Also the "what the fans want" holds little sway with me, if they keep making wackier games, you'll see diminishing returns in sales.
And of course this even fails to mention artistic integrity - what the artist wants to create.
I agree with this, and maybe you're right in that, the change of direction with GTA4, was probably them playing the long game, for the reason you mentioned (diminishing returns).
Still a weird, bold move.