Friend Request

Michael takes on an undercover role to sabotage a tech company from the inside, leading to a dramatic product launch.

“Friend Request” is an early mission in Grand Theft Auto V, highlighting Michael De Santa’s involvement with Lester Crest. This mission introduces players to the satirical side of the game’s world, where Michael infiltrates a tech company to plant an explosive device in a new smartphone prototype. The mission features elements of stealth, humor, and a critique of the tech industry, with a dramatic and explosive conclusion during a live product demonstration.

In “Friend Request,” Michael, working with Lester Crest, is tasked with sabotaging a product launch for the tech company Lifeinvader, a parody of real-world social media giants. Lester arranges for Michael to infiltrate Lifeinvader’s headquarters to plant a bomb in a prototype phone, which will later be detonated during a live product demonstration by the company’s CEO, Jay Norris. The mission is a blend of stealth, humor, and high-tech intrigue.

Objectives

• Meet Lester at his house to receive the mission briefing.
• Go to the Lifeinvader offices in Vinewood and gain access to the building.
• Infiltrate the Lifeinvader workspace and plant the explosive device in the prototype phone.
• Leave the building without raising suspicion.
• Watch the product launch on TV and detonate the device during the live broadcast.

Setting

This mission takes place primarily in the Lifeinvader headquarters, a parody of Silicon Valley tech offices, complete with quirky employees, open-plan workspaces, and a casual office culture. The mission emphasizes the satirical critique of the tech industry, with a focus on the superficial and obsessive nature of social media companies.

Objective 1: Meet Lester

• Briefing: The mission begins with Michael visiting Lester at his home, where they discuss a plan to sabotage the Lifeinvader product launch by planting a bomb in a prototype phone. Lester will also provide the necessary equipment and intel.
• Get Ready: After the briefing, players are directed to drive to the Lifeinvader offices in Vinewood.

Objective 2: Infiltrate the Lifeinvader Offices

• Gaining Access: Upon arriving at the Lifeinvader headquarters, Michael pretends to be a new IT worker. Speak with the receptionist, and she will direct you to the rear entrance.
• Blend In: Once inside, you’ll need to navigate the office space, interacting with employees without raising suspicion. This part of the mission includes humorous dialogue and interactions, poking fun at startup culture.

Objective 3: Plant the Device

• Access the Prototype: Head to the designated workstation where the prototype phone is located. Michael must replace the phone with one rigged to explode.
• Keep a Low Profile: After planting the device, carefully exit the building without alerting anyone or causing suspicion.

Objective 4: Watch the Product Launch

• Return Home: After leaving the Lifeinvader offices, drive back to Michael’s house, where the mission will continue with a cutscene.
• Detonate the Device: Watch the live product launch on TV. During the presentation, Michael remotely detonates the bomb, resulting in an explosive and shocking conclusion.

Mission Conclusion

• Wrap Up: After the explosion, a cutscene shows Michael’s reaction and the aftermath of the sabotage. This mission furthers the relationship between Michael and Lester, setting the stage for future heists and criminal activities.
• Rewards: Completing the mission unlocks new heist Missions with Lester and introduces the player to key gameplay mechanics like hacking and tech-related sabotage.

• The mission parodies real-world tech companies, with Lifeinvader being a clear stand-in for Facebook, and Jay Norris being a parody of Silicon Valley tech CEOs.
• This mission marks the first major collaboration between Michael and Lester Crest, who plays a crucial role in many of the game’s heists.
• The Lifeinvader office layout, culture, and employee behavior satirize the tech startup world, with humor targeting their over-the-top work environment.
• The use of a live product launch and the explosive sabotage echoes real-world concerns about data Security and tech surveillance.
• Players can explore the Lifeinvader offices after completing the mission, although there is no further interaction with employees.
• The mission introduces players to some of the hacking mechanics that will become important in later Missions.
• Jay Norris’ death is one of the most memorable moments in the game, thanks to the satirical buildup and sudden explosive payoff.