'Grand Theft Auto V' screensaver spoofs big-money religions

The "Grand Theft Auto" series's wealth-gathering fusion of scientific and religious talk, the Epsilon Program, features in a bizarre promotional screensaver tied to this September's "Grand Theft Auto V."

The 'Grand Theft Auto' series's wealth-gathering fusion of scientific and religious talk, the Epsilon Program, features in a bizarre promotional screensaver tied to this September's 'Grand Theft Auto V.'

Epsilon and its suave, smooth-talking leader Cris Formage were part of previous series entries 'Grand Theft Auto IV' and the earlier 'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas,' the latter of which was set in West Coast USA just like 'Grand Theft Auto V.'

And where Epsilon takes a shot at Scientology's well-publicized distinctives, presenting the viewer with questions designed to encourage receptivity to the group's material and a willingness to part with significant funds in the process, it was the Hare Krishna movement that was lampooned in 'Grand Theft Auto' and its numerical sequel -- echoes of which can be seen in the Epsilon chant 'Kifflom.'

As a bonus for those scouring 'GTA V' material for new clues as to the full game's content, the Epsilon screensaver's background depicts a rugged coastline, a lighthouse, convincingly animated waves and a timelapse day-night cycle.