In a surprising revelation, it has come to light that Rockstar Games, the creator of the monumental Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series, once had ambitious plans to take the franchise beyond American borders. The studio explored developing games set in iconic international cities like Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, and Moscow, but ultimately decided to stick to its familiar US playgrounds.
The International GTA Games That Never Were
The disclosure comes from former Rockstar technical director Obbe Vermeij, who shared these insights in an interview with GamesHub. According to Vermeij, the ideas for games based in Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, and even Istanbul were actively discussed in the studio's early days. However, the most developed foreign concept was for GTA: Tokyo.
"Tokyo almost actually happened," Vermeij revealed. He explained that a partnership was in the works with a Japanese studio, which was going to take Rockstar's code and develop the Tokyo-based title. Unfortunately, this promising collaboration, along with the other international concepts, was eventually cancelled.
Why America Remains GTA's Unchanging Backdrop
The decision to abandon these global ventures was not taken lightly but was rooted in a strategic desire to protect the brand's identity and its colossal financial success. Vermeij provided a clear rationale for this choice. He stated that when a franchise is riding on billions of dollars in revenue, the safest bet is to "do what we know again."
The core reason, as per Vermeij and echoed earlier by Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser, is America's cultural dominance. The United States is seen as the epicentre of Western culture, making its cities—like Los Angeles (Los Santos) and New York (Liberty City)—instantly recognizable to a global audience. This familiarity builds trust and provides a competitive edge, allowing players worldwide to form a mental image of the game's world even if they've never visited.
Dan Houser added that GTA's essence, which includes an abundance of guns and larger-than-life characters, is fundamentally tied to an "outsider's perspective" of America. This specific satirical lens, he argued, wouldn't translate effectively to other settings.
It's worth noting that the sole exception to the American setting rule was the expansion GTA: London, set in the UK. Rockstar's strategy mirrors that of other major franchises; Bethesda's Todd Howard, for instance, has similarly explained that the Fallout series stays in the US due to its core "Americana naivete."
What This Means for the GTA Franchise
Rockstar's choice underscores a significant trend in blockbuster game development: the balance between creative ambition and commercial risk. By consistently returning to a satirical version of America, Rockstar has solidified a unique brand identity that gamers instantly connect with. This consistency has been a pillar of the franchise's unprecedented financial success.
While fans may forever wonder what a GTA game set in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or the vibrant favelas of Rio would have been like, Rockstar's calculated decision has undoubtedly cemented its status as a gaming industry titan. The focus remains on perfecting its signature formula within a context it knows best.
In related news, the festive spirit has hit GTA Online with its Christmas update, bringing seasonal snow, a Snowball Launcher, a Candy Cane melee weapon, and other holiday-themed rewards for players to enjoy.
