Dan Houser Declares Grand Theft Auto Will Stay in America

In a recent conversation, Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games, asserted that the iconic video game series Grand Theft Auto (GTA) will never be set in London or any other international location. This statement comes despite ongoing fan requests for a GTA game set outside the United States. Houser emphasized that the series is deeply embedded in American culture, which he believes is essential for the game’s identity.

American Roots of Grand Theft Auto

During an hour-long interview with Lex Fridman, Houser outlined two fundamental aspects that contribute to the typical GTA experience: the accessibility of firearms and the larger-than-life characters that reflect American pop culture. He stated that moving the series to different countries would significantly alter the gaming experience, which has been shaped by the unique characteristics of American society.

Houser cited cities like Miami, New York, and Los Angeles as ideal settings for GTA games due to their diverse atmospheres. These locations serve as a melting pot of cultures, embodying glitz, glamour, and the underworld, alongside vast wealth and immigration. He likened the GTA narrative style to a “psychotic version of a Dickens novel,” emphasizing the importance of these American settings.

Reflections on Past Experiments

Rockstar has previously explored the idea of a London setting with GTA London 1969, released as an expansion pack in 1999. While Houser described this original setting as “pretty cute and fun,” he noted that it was not designed to be a full-fledged game. One of the challenges with a return to London is the restricted availability of firearms in the UK, which Houser sees as a significant obstacle.

Looking forward, the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 will continue this trend, set in the fictional state of Leonida, modeled after Florida. Trailers for the game hint at the series’ signature parody of American culture, reinforcing Houser’s commitment to keeping the franchise rooted in the United States.

Houser’s perspective aligns with that of Todd Howard, head of Bethesda Game Studios, who has also asserted that the Fallout series will remain in the U.S. due to the significance of “American naivety” in shaping its tone. Both developers view their franchises as inextricably linked to American identity, suggesting that the cultural context is vital to their storytelling.

As the anticipation for GTA 6 grows, Houser’s comments provide clarity on the direction of the franchise. For fans hoping for a broader international experience, it appears that the allure of America’s unique cultural landscape will continue to dominate the series’ narrative.