The Grand Theft Auto series has long been synonymous with its American settings, and it seems this trend is set to continue. Former Rockstar boss Dan Houser has shed light on why these iconic games aren’t venturing beyond U.S. borders.
The Essence of Americana in Grand Theft Auto
Dan Houser, Rockstar co-founder and former lead writer, revealed on the Lex Fridman podcast that the series remains rooted in the United States for a reason. Aside from the early GTA London, the franchise has always embraced Americana, making it challenging to envision a full game set elsewhere. Houser stated, “We made a little thing in London 26 years ago — GTA London — for the top-down for PS1. That was pretty cute and fun, as the first mission pack ever for PlayStation 1. I think for a full GTA game, we always decided there was so much Americana inherent in the IP, it would be really hard to make it work in London or anywhere else.”
He further explained the necessity of American elements like guns and larger-than-life characters, which are integral to the GTA experience. This American touch provides an outsider’s perspective that fundamentally defines the games.
GTA 6 Continues the Tradition
Looking forward, GTA 6 is set to continue this tradition, taking place in the fictional U.S. state of Leonida, a reimagined Florida. The trailers released so far highlight a strong emphasis on parodying American culture, a hallmark of the series. This continuation of theme raises questions about whether GTA might ever explore international settings. However, given Houser’s comments and the established brand identity, such a shift seems unlikely. Grand Theft Auto’s relationship with America is so profound that it’s become a cultural lens for players worldwide, with some universities even incorporating it into their curriculum.
A University of Tennessee history professor plans to teach a GTA college history class in early 2026, illustrating how deeply the series has ingrained itself into perceptions of American culture.
Shared Sentiments in the Gaming Industry
This focus on American settings isn’t unique to GTA. The creators of the Fallout series have similarly chosen to keep their games within the United States. Bethesda’s development chief Todd Howard expressed a fondness for the “Americana naivete” that shapes Fallout’s tone.
As anticipation builds for GTA 6, with a release date set for May 26, 2026, fans have much to look forward to, from new trailers and screenshots to expert opinions on its graphics, especially on the PS5 Pro. There’s also ongoing speculation about its price, with research suggesting that a $100 price could be less profitable than a $70 one.