Hey, Grand Theft Auto fans! Buckle up for a thrilling ride as we dive into the high-octane conversation around Rockstar’s notorious franchise. Ever dreamt of a Grand Theft Auto game zipping through the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, or Istanbul? Former Rockstar Games technical director, Obbe Vermeij, reveals the bold ideas tossed around the Rockstar offices — and why they hit the brakes on taking GTA global!
In an electric interview with Gameshub, Vermeij, who was at the core of the action from 1995 to 2009, confessed that after Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City, the wheels were in motion for a radical change of scenery. Brace yourselves: GTA: Tokyo almost hit our screens, with a mysterious Japanese studio ready to go full throttle on Rockstar’s code!
Buckle up as we journey down the 'what might have been' lane, only to discover plans unraveled. So, why didn’t it happen? Drumroll, please! Rockstar realized that the pulsating heart of GTA beats most powerfully within the audacious, sprawling American landscape. Toss in the massive gamble of international expansion, and this high-stakes game decided to play it safe on familiar turf.
Vermeij teased: “Ideas fly around, but with billions at stake, sticking to what we know—American metropolises—is the safe windfall. America itself is the crux of Western culture. Even if you've never set foot in these cities, their images flicker in our minds.”
We might not be racing through Bogota or slaloming through Toronto anytime soon either, given the rising stakes. Instead, gear up, because GTA 6 is revving its engines to return to our flamboyant favorite, Vice City—a neon-soaked love letter to Miami, Florida!
So, as the future of GTA unfolds, can we expect globe-hopping escapades? According to Vermeij, that highway detour isn’t on the map. “Technology's evolved, sure. Rockstar will keep their craftsmanship fresh in our iconic five American cities showdown. And listen, if you think fans will skip Vice City since they’ve been there, think again!”
The echoes of Vermeij resonate with Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser's remarks on the Lex Fridman podcast, affirming that GTA’s soul is saturated in Americana—crafted as “larger-than-life” with a necessity for guns and wild characters impossible to recreate outside the states.
Now it's your turn, gamers! What do you think: Should the Grand Theft Auto series race beyond America's borders, or do the homegrown landscapes remain unbeatable? Hit us with your thoughts and let the ultimate GTA battle of the continents commence!