GTA Fans: Here's Why You Might Never See Your Favorite Franchise Going International!

Alright, rockstars! Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Grand Theft Auto like never before! For years, we've all been itching for a GTA experience that takes us beyond the U.S. borders—imagine tearing through the streets of Tokyo or the vibrant heart of Moscow! But alas, hold that thought. Former Rockstar Games technical director Obbe Vermeij spills the beans: it's an idea that flickered but never ignited.

In an electrifying interview with Gameshub, Vermeij, who spun magic at Rockstar from 1995 to 2009, dished on some intriguing rumors. There were whispers of GTA games setting sail to places like Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, Istanbul, and even Tokyo. GTA: Tokyo was this close to happening, folks! But why didn't it? Well, Rockstar realized there’s no place like home—American cities just resonate with the GTA soul.

Vermeij explains, "When you're talking billions of dollars and the legacy of a monumental franchise, it's a gamble to stray from familiarity. Let's keep it real—America's culture hotspots are the playgrounds gamers crave. Even those who haven't visited envision the bustling streets of New York, the sunny clusters of LA. Trust me; it's deep-rooted!"

As the series gears up for its highly-anticipated sixth entry in Vice City—Rockstar's Miami-inspired haven—you may wonder if they'll ever jet off to an exotic locale like Europe or London. Vermeij's candidness suggests that might be a pipe dream. "Time's changed, love. We don't get a new GTA every year! Expect encore visits to LA or Las Vegas. We're lapping the Wild West and urban jungle circuit every 12 years now, remember?"

Even Dan Houser, Rockstar co-founder, backs this sentiment up in a riveting chat with Lex Fridman. According to Houser, the gritty essence of Grand Theft Auto is intertwined with Americana itself, and we just can't shake it. "GTA London was cute as pie on PS1, but the heart of GTA—it's pure unadulterated U.S.A."

Sure, fans like us are longing for globetrotting tales, but for the foreseeable future, we'll be living the American dream, relishing in iconic maps, and soaking in compelling tales. What do you think, though? Are you ready for another round of U.S. metropolises? Hit the comments and let us know!

Would You Like to See a GTA Game Set Outside the United States? Yes, it's about time! No, it should remain in the United States! It depends (tell us why in the comments!)