Casey Brooks, You Only Live Forever, 2014

Casey T. Brooks’ narrative photo essay, Casey T. Brooks, from You Only Live Forever, utilises the in-game camera feature of GTA V to craft a unique narrative within the chaotic world of Los Santos. The project, which debuted in 2014 on Tumblr where it still resides a decade later, deviates from the typical violent escapades concocted by Rockstar Games, focusing instead on the life of a young woman who navigates the everyday complexities of a 'normal' existence amidst the surrounding turmoil.

One of the first in-game photography projects to achieve remarkable media visibility, You Only Live Forever features vignettes and portraits that offer a glimpse into a parallel universe among the lives of non-playable characters. One in particular, a nondescript woman whom Brooks meticulously conceptualised, documents her experiences through her camera phone, providing a sense of history and emotional depth to her mundane observations.

The artist’s background in photography significantly influenced his work. Brooks, who is based in Brooklyn and works as a film and tv editor, maintains a rule: if a photograph in GTA V doesn’t resemble one he would take in reality, he disregards it. This approach roots his virtual photography in previous styles, formats and genre conventions, even as it navigates the often grotesque environment of GTA V. Interestingly, Brooks photographed the screen with his own camera due to the low resolution of the Snapmatic captures. His interest in in-game photography within GTA V was sparked by its dynamic features, such as the freedom to move at any time, changing landscapes, and the simulation of time with varying weather and day-night cycles. These elements create a sense of time pass- ing, reminiscent of real life, despite the repetitive nature of the game. For Brooks, the magic hour, i.e. the hour or two before sunset, is particularly captivating and evokes the same desire to capture photographs as it does in real life. Brooks’ fascination with the game’s vast, familiar-yet-uncanny landscapes and its non-playable characters led him to question their backstories, creating a meta-narrative that infuses his work with humour and introspection. His character’s journey through Los Santos includes poignant moments, such as visiting a childhood home or interacting with a stepbrother at a summer house, each scene enriched by imaginative storytelling.

The project’s title, You Only Live Forever, plays on the popular YOLO dictum 'you only live once', reflecting the GTA V’s endless respawns and the absurdity of its perpetual violence. Brooks’ project challenges traditional gender roles in video games, depicting a female protagonist dealing with everyday issues, a quiet protest against the male-dominated gaming culture. You Only Live Forever not only reimagines the possibilities within the GTA universe but also prompts viewers to consider the narratives and characters that exist beyond the main gameplay.

More by Casey Brooks: caseytbrooks.com/photography