In a recent interview, Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games, shared insights about the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series, specifically addressing its American-centric setting. Throughout his career, Houser has been instrumental in the development of several key titles within the franchise, including GTA 2, GTA 3, GTA 4, and GTA 5, as well as both Red Dead Redemption games.
Discussing the absence of non-American locations in the main series, Houser remarked on the challenges of adapting the franchise’s core elements to other settings. He referenced the series’ early foray into a London backdrop with the 1997 expansion pack, London 1969, calling it “cute and fun” but noted that past experiences led the team to favor an American landscape for the main titles. Houser emphasized that the series is deeply rooted in Americana, making it difficult to replicate its unique essence in a different context.
“You needed guns, you needed these larger-than-life characters,” he explained. “It just felt like the game was so much about America, possibly from an outsider’s perspective […] it wouldn’t really have worked in the same way elsewhere.”
After resigning from Rockstar in 2020, Houser established a new studio named Absurd Ventures. The future of the GTA series remains intriguing, with the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6 set to release in May next year for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S. As fans await the next installment, the franchise’s dedication to its American roots will undoubtedly continue to influence its direction and storytelling, whether through characters, themes, or environments.
With the launch of GTA 6 on the horizon, fans of the series can look forward to new adventures while reflecting on the iconic American landscapes that have shaped the game’s legacy.