The Grand Theft Auto franchise, known for its fictional portrayals of iconic American cities, once ventured outside its Americana roots with an expansion pack set in 1969 London. Released in 1997, this expansion for the original Grand Theft Auto game presented a vibrant depiction of London during the Swinging Sixties, showcasing colorful cars, fashionable styles, and a lively atmosphere. This intriguing glimpse left many fans wondering if Rockstar Games might eventually revisit London in the main series.
However, aspirations for a London-based full installment seem dashed, as Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar, recently expressed doubts about such a move. Speaking on Lex Fridman’s podcast, Houser emphasized that the series has become too intertwined with American culture to effectively translate to another setting like London. He pointed out that cities such as Miami, New York, and Los Angeles provide a wealth of themes—extreme wealth juxtaposed with poverty, organized crime, and rich cultural tapestries—that are essential to the game’s narrative.
Houser noted that while London has some of these qualities, it lacks other crucial elements that define a Grand Theft Auto experience. He mentioned larger-than-life characters and the availability of firearms as fundamental components of the GTA formula. “For a full GTA game, we always decided there was so much Americana inherent in the IP that it would be really hard to make it work in London or anywhere else,” he explained.
After leaving Rockstar in 2020, Houser embarked on a new venture with Absurd Ventures, focusing on creating new open-world games, including one set in a science fiction world titled A Better Paradise. While many fans are eagerly anticipating Grand Theft Auto 6, Houser has not been involved in its production, marking a notable shift in the series.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the making of previous titles, Houser revealed the intense pressure the studio experienced, particularly with Grand Theft Auto IV and Red Dead Redemption 2, both of which faced significant hurdles during development. The pressure was so extreme that during the development of Red Dead Redemption 2, he faced struggles with budget and timeline constraints, adding to the overall stress.
Despite the challenges, the creative energy behind the franchise remains compelling, and Houser’s insights shed light on the complexities of game development within a company that has shaped the landscape of interactive entertainment. His departure marks the end of an era for Rockstar, but it leaves open the possibility for new voices to redefine the franchise in the future.