Why Grand Theft Auto Isn't Going Global Anytime Soon

Hold onto your controllers, GTA fans! Ever fantasized about cruising through Rio, tearing up the streets of Moscow, or going undercover in Istanbul in the Grand Theft Auto universe? Well, it turns out those dreams might stay just that—dreams, as one insider spills the beans on why the iconic franchise isn’t packing its bags for an overseas adventure.

Former Rockstar Games technical director Obbe Vermeij, who rocked the house at Rockstar from 1995 to 2009, revealed some tantalizing titbits in an interview with Gameshub. Once upon a time, post-Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City, there were whispers of a GTA setting switch that could have landed us in exotic locales like Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, and Istanbul. But get this: the closest call was GTA: Tokyo! It “almost actually happened,” folks!

Intriguingly, a plan was in the works for another studio in Japan to pick up Rockstar's golden code and run with it, crafting a potentially legendary installment set in Tokyo. But alas, it wasn’t meant to be. According to Vermeij, shortly after the launch of GTA 4, the project was dropped, leaving us imagining what could have been.

So, why stick stateside? It's all about risk and reward, and America serves up the complete GTA package! The U.S. is the beating heart of Western culture, with cities recognized worldwide. Vermeij dishes that it’s just too thrilling yet daunting a prospect to gamble on a new setting when you've got billions just riding on it. “People love having these wild ideas,” he explained, but playing it safe is Rockstar's winning mantra.

As we all eagerly eye GTA 6, set to send us tearing back into an iconic Vice City—Rockstar's Spin on sunny Miami—the question splashes in for the wild ride: will we ever race across the concrete jungles of Europe or the bustling streets of London?
Spoiler: According to Vermeij, it’s a “dream on” scenario. The tech evolves, cities get a stunning revamp, and each GTA deliverable uniquely sells itself, even if we're replaying a familiar map. With shocking realism and immersive game changes, who could resist revisiting favorites like New York, LA, or even Las Vegas?

For now, GTA’s city line-up might be a Greatest Hits of American landscapes, and Rockstar appears comfy in that loop. Fans, let's buckle up and roll with it! All eyes are on the thriving, thriving U.S. horizons.

Curious to weigh in on the debate? What’s your stance—would you love a global twist for GTA, or does Americana fill your digital drive just right? Dive into the comments and share the hype!

Still dreaming of an international GTA? Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser also reflected this sentiment recently. The allure of Americana anchors GTA firmly in the U.S.

Want to stroll down gaming memory lane? Travel back 26 years, and you'll find the PS1's adorable GTA London! But a major GTA title outside the States? Not so fast—Americana's pull is just too strong.