Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser has revealed why Grand Theft Auto games are unlikely to ever leave their American setting, stating the franchise’s identity is fundamentally tied to ‘Americana’.
Key Takeaways
- GTA’s core identity is ‘Americana inherent’ according to co-founder Dan Houser
- Only one game was set outside the US – GTA London in 1999
- GTA 6 confirmed for Vice City with 2026 release date
- Features two protagonists with Bonnie-and-Clyde dynamic
In a recent podcast with Lex Fridman, Houser explained why the company hasn’t returned to international settings since the 1999 London mission pack for PlayStation 1.
“We made a little thing in London 26 years ago, GTA London, for the top-down, for the PS1. That was pretty cute and fun, as the first mission pack ever for PlayStation 1,” Houser told Fridman.
“I think for a full GTA game, we always decided that there was so much Americana inherent in the IP, it would be really hard to make it work in London or anywhere else,” he added.
GTA 6 Details and Release
Rockstar Games is currently developing GTA 6, confirmed to be set in the fictional Vice City. The game features two protagonists – Lucia and Jason – with a Bonnie-and-Clyde-like relationship dynamic.
After multiple delays, the game is scheduled for release on May 26, 2026. Players will be able to switch between controlling both characters during gameplay.
Game Length and Features
According to leaks, GTA 6 could be the longest game in the series, requiring up to 75 hours to complete. The game will parody contemporary American culture, including social media and influencer trends.
The initial release will be on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 5 Pro, PS5 Slim, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S consoles. A PC version is expected to follow later.
