Dan Houser Declares Grand Theft Auto Will Stay in America

Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games, has firmly stated that the popular video game franchise Grand Theft Auto (GTA) will not be set in London or any other international location in the future. Despite persistent requests from fans for a GTA game based in London, Houser emphasizes that the series will remain anchored in American culture.

In a recent discussion with Lex Fridman, Houser articulated his viewpoint, attributing the series’ deep ties to American culture as a key factor in its setting. He argues that two essential elements define the typical GTA experience: the availability of firearms and the vibrant, larger-than-life characters that are characteristic of American pop culture. The distinctiveness of American culture has shaped the franchise, making any transition to other countries a significant departure from what fans have come to expect.

American Settings as Ideal Backdrops

According to Houser, American cities such as Miami, New York, and Los Angeles serve as ideal settings for the franchise. Each of these locations embodies a melting pot atmosphere where glitz, glamour, and the underworld intersect with immigrant stories and immense wealth. He describes these backdrops as perfect for creating what he terms a “psychotic version of a Dickens novel.”

Reflecting on previous attempts to set the game outside the United States, Houser mentioned GTA London 1969, which was released as an expansion pack in 1999 for the original top-down version of the game. He recalled the London setting, with its iconic mod culture and fashion of the Swinging Sixties, as “pretty cute and fun,” but ultimately insufficient for a full-fledged game. Houser identified a significant hurdle in the desire for a London-based game: the stricter gun laws in the UK limit the availability of firearms, which he considers critical to the gameplay experience.

GTA 6 Continues the Tradition

The upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 will also adhere to the established tradition, being set in the fictional US state of Leonida, a reinterpretation of Florida. Promotional materials for the game continue to showcase the franchise’s signature parody of American culture, a hallmark that has resonated with players for decades.

Houser’s perspective aligns with that of Todd Howard, the development chief at Bethesda, who has similarly expressed that the Fallout series will never leave the United States. Howard noted that “American naivety” plays a crucial role in shaping the tone of these games, illustrating a shared belief among prominent game developers regarding their franchises’ ties to American identity.

As the gaming community awaits the release of GTA 6, Houser’s insights underscore the enduring commitment of Rockstar Games to maintain the franchise’s roots in the cultural landscape of the United States. This decision not only reflects the company’s vision but also the expectations of its devoted fanbase.