This message is misleading, confusing, and often terrifying for new players. Does it mean your expensive RTX or Radeon GPU is physically overheating? Is your card about to melt? Fortunately, the answer is no.

Modern GPUs are thousands of times more powerful than the GeForce 2 or Radeon 7500 from GTA III’s era. That power creates compatibility issues:

through the compatibility tab can bypass secondary permission checks. Disable Full-Screen Optimizations : Right-click the Properties Compatibility

That error is your GPU screaming for help. If you hear coil whine in the menus, alt-tab out immediately and cap your FPS.

Here is a review of the game through the lens of those legendary technical hurdles. Verdict: 4/10 (Technically) | 10/10 (Culturally) Grand Theft Auto III

Check and select Windows XP (Service Pack 3) or Windows 98 / ME .