My theory as to characters changing throughout the story

[Kingification]

I'm sure you've all seen one of the newer screenshots, the first shot we've seen featuring Michael with facial hair:

Of course, this screenshot contradicts other screens we've seen of Michael, which show him as clean shaven:

 

Obviously the first thing to point to is facial hair customisation, based on everything we've seen of V so far. However, I have a different theory as to why he's predominantly shown as clean shaven in most screens and videos, and then with facial hair in the one at the top of the post.

 

[spoilerS for Max Payne 3 BELOW]

In Rockstar's game Max Payne 3, the character Max is shown to undergo various degrees of change as the story progresses - while at the beginning he has some light stubble and a full head of hair, he slowly grows out his beard, and is later seen as completely bald.

 

Max early in the game:

Max later in the game:

Notice the bushier, thicker beard and bald head.

 

My theory is that perhaps, based on their experience with Max Payne 3, Rockstar have gone the same way with some of the characters in GTA V? Maybe Michael begins clean shaven, and eventually grows out his facial hair as the campaign progresses/time goes on?

 

We can see something similar with Franklin, although to a lesser extent:

 

Franklin in Trailer #2

Franklin in 'The Official Trailer'

Notice the slimmer build/face and more chiseled chin

With Franklin, i think the more likely scenario is that his appearance was changed between Trailer #2 and The Official Trailer, with his appearance in the second image being his appearance in the final build. However, it could support that the characters change as the game/story progress', with the later pictures being the character's appearance later in the game.

Then again, it could also support further character customisation than has already been shown by Rockstar, with the ability to change your character's build (the gym, swimming, running, etc) or to change the amount of facial hair.

 

Any thoughts?

Edited September 8, 2013 by Kingification

[evoluon--720]

yea i can see a hair growth system happening.

it would make sense

unless theres some magic hair growth material the barbers use

[Mr Disappoint]

It's a good theory but I honestly don't think it will be that complex. I'm just willing to bet that you simply go into a barber shop and select what kind of facial hair you would like to purchase just like San Andreas.

[Kingification]

It's a good theory but I honestly don't think it will be that complex. I'm just willing to bet that you simply go into a barber shop and select what kind of facial hair you would like to purchase just like San Andreas.

Yeah, I agree - both are possible, but I do think it's more probable that you choose the facial hair you want.

[StJimmy]

Dude, its just the character models changing throughout the development of the game.

[Patriot_Action]

Max Payne 3 is a bad comparison. There's no character customization in singleplayer MP3 over the course of the story. It's a linear game that follows the story of a guy over time, and the changes represent something about the character.

 

I honestly think differences in screenshots are just customization or changes over the course of development. Why would they have characters' appearances change when we can customize them anyway?

Edited September 8, 2013 by Patriot_Action

[nekkidhillbilly]

honestly idk. neither does any of us though. i would love to see something like this but idk if R* has went that far. however it could work like getting hungy or anything like that. i mean the sims has hunger and bathroom use thats all time driven so you could on this also.