According to HotHardware, Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser revealed in a two-hour Lex Fridman podcast interview that Grand Theft Auto will likely remain set exclusively in the United States for the foreseeable future. Houser explained that aside from a brief pre-GTA III PlayStation-era experiment with London, the franchise has always been fundamentally American. He specifically stated the series contains “so much Americana inherent in the IP” that relocating it to London or elsewhere would undermine its core identity. The former writer emphasized that guns, larger-than-life characters, and an outsider’s perspective on America are essential ingredients that wouldn’t work the same way in other settings. Houser also discussed his anticipation for experiencing GTA VI as a fan and dedicated a 40-minute segment to Red Dead Redemption 2, which he considers his magnum opus.
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The Unbreakable Americana Connection
Here’s the thing – Houser’s explanation makes perfect sense when you really think about it. Grand Theft Auto isn’t just set in America; it’s about America. The satire, the car culture, the gun obsession, the particular brand of capitalism-run-amok – these aren’t just background elements. They’re the actual point of the whole experience.
And let’s be honest, could you even imagine a GTA game set in Tokyo or Paris? The tone would feel completely off. The series has spent decades building its identity around mocking and celebrating the very specific absurdities of American culture. Moving it elsewhere would be like setting a spaghetti western in Switzerland – technically possible, but missing the entire point.
The Rockstar Creative Philosophy
What’s really interesting here is how this reflects Rockstar’s broader approach to game development. They’re not just chasing trends or expanding into new markets for the sake of growth. They’re sticking to what they know works creatively, even when the temptation to go global must be enormous.
I mean, think about the business case for a GTA set in another country. The marketing practically writes itself! But they’re resisting that, and honestly, it’s probably the right call. The authenticity they’ve built by deeply understanding their setting is what makes their satire so biting and their worlds so believable.
Plus, Houser’s comments about AI are telling too. Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two has been clear that they see AI as a tool to supplement developers, not replace them. That creator-driven mentality seems to extend to their setting choices as well – they’re not going to let market research override what makes artistic sense for the franchise.
What This Means For GTA’s Future
So where does this leave the series? Basically, we’re looking at endless variations on American cities and themes for the foreseeable future. And honestly? That’s probably fine. America keeps providing fresh material for satire anyway.
But it does make you wonder – could there ever be a spin-off series that explores other countries while maintaining the GTA spirit? Maybe something that tackles different cultural landscapes with the same sharp eye for satire? Because while the core GTA games might be permanently stateside, the formula could potentially travel well if handled by the right creative team.
For now though, it’s clear that Rockstar sees America as more than just a setting – it’s a character in itself. And you don’t replace your main character after building one of the most successful entertainment franchises in history.
