Could GTA Have Taken Us to Moscow, Tokyo, or Rio? Insights from an Ex-Rockstar Dev

Rockstar Games has long been associated with its iconic portrayal of American cities in the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise, but surprising revelations indicate that the company once considered several international locations for spin-off titles. According to former technical director Obbe Vermeij, plans were in place for GTA games set in cities like Tokyo, Moscow, and Rio de Janeiro, with local developers involved in the projects. Ultimately, however, the narrative focus on American culture and the familiarity of its cities has kept the series rooted in the United States.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the anticipation for the next installment of the Grand Theft Auto series builds, recent comments from former Rockstar employees have sparked discussions about the franchise's future. With GTA 6 set to return to Vice City, the series continues to adhere to its American-centric theme. Vermeij's insights into the previously considered international settings highlight a missed opportunity for broader storytelling, suggesting that while Rockstar may have explored new territories, the cultural significance of American cities remains paramount in their design philosophy.

Key takeaways

Rockstar Games once had plans for GTA spin-offs in global cities such as Tokyo and Moscow.
Local developers were considered for these projects, indicating a collaborative approach.
Former technical director Obbe Vermeij confirms that American culture is integral to the GTA series.
GTA 6 is confirmed to return to Vice City, reinforcing the franchise's focus on familiar American locales.
Despite the potential for international settings, the financial implications and cultural recognition of US cities dominate the series' direction.

Timeline: how we got here

Over the years, Rockstar has established a solid reputation for creating immersive, narrative-driven games set in the United States. Key milestones include:

1997: The original Grand Theft Auto is released, set in a fictionalised version of America.
2002: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is launched, cementing the franchise's popularity with a Miami-inspired setting.
2004: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is released, further expanding the universe with multiple Californian cities.
2013: Grand Theft Auto V debuts, showcasing a vast open world based on Southern California.
2023: Anticipation builds for GTA 6, set to release on 19 November 2024, again focusing on Vice City.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent revelations from Obbe Vermeij offer fresh insight into Rockstar's past considerations for international spin-offs, particularly the close call for a Tokyo setting. This reflects a moment in the franchise's history where expansion beyond American cities seemed plausible.

What was already established

Rockstar's commitment to maintaining a focus on American culture has been a longstanding position, as articulated by former narrative director Dan Houser. The company has consistently stated that the unique satire of American society is a crucial element of the GTA experience.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As GTA 6 approaches its release, UK gamers can expect a familiar yet engaging experience as Vice City returns. The focus on American culture may limit the diversity of storytelling but ensures that the narrative remains relatable for a broad audience.

Businesses and jobs

The gaming industry in the UK continues to thrive, with significant investment in local studios. While projects like GTA's potential international spin-offs may have been sidelined, the ongoing success of the franchise provides job security and opportunities for local developers.

Policy and regulation

The UK gaming sector is governed by strict regulations regarding content and age ratings. The focus on American narratives may continue to shape discussions around cultural representation and the portrayal of violence in video games.

Numbers that matter

£6 billion: Estimated revenue generated by Grand Theft Auto V since its release in 2013.
19 November 2024: Scheduled release date for GTA 6, marking a significant moment for the franchise.
5: Major American cities frequently revisited in the series (New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, and Las Vegas).
2: Previous expansion packs set in London during the 1960s, showcasing early attempts at international settings.
10: Years between major GTA releases, highlighting the extensive development time and financial stakes involved.

Definitions and jargon buster

Spin-off: A game or product that derives from an existing franchise, exploring new narratives or settings.
Open world: A game design that allows players to explore a large, unrestricted environment.
Satire: The use of humour, irony, or exaggeration to critique or mock societal norms and behaviours.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the release date for GTA 6 approaches, players should prepare for marketing campaigns and trailers that may reveal more about the game's setting and features.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Expect discussions around the game's reception, its cultural impact, and potential for expansion into other media formats, such as film or television.

Signals to watch

Release of new trailers and gameplay footage leading up to the launch date.
Consumer feedback during beta testing phases, which may influence future updates or expansions.
Industry awards and nominations that could highlight the game's storytelling or design innovations.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on official announcements from Rockstar regarding GTA 6.
Engage with the gaming community to discuss expectations and theories about the upcoming release.
Consider revisiting older titles in the series to refresh your experience before the new game launches.

Don’t

Don’t rely solely on leaks or unofficial sources for information about GTA 6.
Don’t overlook the importance of the cultural context within the game’s narrative.
Don’t forget to explore other genres and titles in the meantime; gaming is diverse!

Checklist

Have you played previous GTA titles to familiarise yourself with the series?
Are you following reputable gaming news outlets for updates?
Have you engaged with the online community to share insights and expectations?
Are you prepared for the gameplay mechanics introduced in the upcoming release?
Have you considered how the game’s setting might influence its narrative?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the revelations from Vermeij offer intriguing insights into Rockstar's past, there is no guarantee that the franchise will expand beyond its traditional American settings in the future. The financial implications of creating a game in a less familiar location may outweigh the potential benefits. Additionally, cultural representation and storytelling are complex issues that may not easily translate across borders.

Bottom line

The Grand Theft Auto series remains firmly rooted in American culture, with its upcoming installment set to revisit Vice City. Although international spin-offs were once on the table, the narrative and financial considerations have kept the franchise within familiar territory. As excitement builds for GTA 6, players can anticipate a return to the series' roots, albeit with modern advancements that promise to deliver a fresh experience.

FAQs

Will there ever be a GTA game set outside the US?

While there were plans for international settings, Rockstar's focus on American culture makes it unlikely that future GTA titles will venture outside the US.

What cities have been featured in GTA games?

The series has primarily focused on cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco, with Vice City being a recurring favourite.

When is GTA 6 being released?

GTA 6 is scheduled for release on 19 November 2024, returning players to Vice City.