The Grand Theft Auto series has long captured the imaginations of players worldwide with its immersive storytelling and iconic urban settings. Fans have often speculated if the beloved franchise might ever venture beyond the familiar landscapes of the United States. However, insights from a former Rockstar developer suggest this is unlikely to happen, urging enthusiasts to embrace the series’ American backdrop.
Exploring Unrealized Global Ambitions
In a conversation with sources, Obbe Vermeij, a former technical director at Rockstar Games, revealed that there were once ambitious ideas to set future GTA installments in international locales like Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, and Istanbul. Of these, GTA: Tokyo was the closest to becoming a reality. Vermeij explained that another studio in Japan was poised to take over development using Rockstar’s code, yet the project ultimately did not materialize.
Vermeij highlighted a significant realization by Rockstar: American cities serve as the optimal setting for the GTA series. Given the lengthy development cycles of these games, venturing into international territories posed a substantial risk. “People love having these wild ideas but then when you’ve got billions of dollars riding on it, it’s too easy to go let’s do what we know again, and also America is basically the epicenter of Western culture, so everybody knows the cities, even people who haven’t been there,” Vermeij stated.
Return to Familiar Streets
With GTA 6 set to revisit Vice City, the series’ interpretation of Miami, one ponders if Rockstar will ever explore cities outside the U.S., such as those in Europe or London. Vermeij believes this remains improbable, citing the substantial resources involved and the limited frequency of new game releases. He anticipates revisits to iconic American cities like New York, LA, or Las Vegas rather than entirely new settings.
These sentiments align with remarks from Dan Houser, Rockstar’s co-founder, who emphasized the series’ deep connections to Americana. Despite a brief detour with GTA London for the PlayStation 1, Houser indicated that the essence of the series is intricately tied to American culture and its larger-than-life characters.
The Cultural Impact of GTA
The series’ portrayal of American cities has been so influential that a University of Tennessee history professor plans to teach a GTA-themed college class in 2026. This testament to the series’ cultural impact highlights how video games shape perceptions of real-world places. Similarly, other franchises like Fallout have chosen to remain within the U.S., embracing Americana themes that resonate widely with audiences.
Rockstar’s decision to keep Grand Theft Auto rooted in America reflects both a creative vision and a practical acknowledgment of its audience’s expectations. As players await the next installment, the series remains a powerful lens through which contemporary America is viewed worldwide.