Radical Location Change of the GTA Series: Tokyo Dream
Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series has been known for years for its games about different cities of the United States. However, there is a fact in the history of the series that many players do not know: Rockstar Games seriously considered developing a GTA game set in Tokyo for a while. Former Rockstar North coach Obbe Vermeij is a name that took part in the development of unforgettable games such as GTA III, Vice City and San Andreas. Vermeij's statements show that the series may not be limited only to the USA.
The GTA series has achieved great success by bringing cities such as Liberty City (New York), Vice City (Miami) and San Andreas (California) to the game world. But did you know that the series has only traveled outside the US once? In the late 1990s, a game called GTA London was released as the series’ first and only international adventure. However, Rockstar's plans were not limited to this.
Tokyo Project: GTA's Japan Adventure
According to Obbe Vermeij's statements, Rockstar Games kept the idea of developing a GTA game set in Tokyo on the table for a long time. This project has reached a more advanced stage than other international locations. Vermeij stated that the Tokyo version is a project planned to be developed using the existing game engine. But, unfortunately, this project remained only in a concept phase and was never implemented.
Why was Tokyo so attractive for GTA? Japan's dynamic city life, unique culture, and complex streets would fit perfectly into the chaotic and action-packed world of the series. Rockstar's serious consideration of this idea shows that the series may not be limited to the USA only. However, there is no clear information about why the project was canceled.
Other International Locations: Rio de Janeiro, Moscow and Istanbul
Although Tokyo is the most advanced project among Rockstar's international locations, the studio also evaluated other cities. Vermeij stated that cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Moscow and Istanbul were also discussed as potential locations for GTA. Each city, with its unique atmosphere and cultural riches, could add a new dimension to GTA's storytelling.
Rio de Janeiro could perfectly fit into the chaotic world of GTA with Brazil's colorful and energetic city life. The cold and mysterious atmosphere of Moscow, Russia, could have given the series a darker and more serious tone. As a city where East and West meet, Istanbul could add a unique depth to GTA's storytelling.
Success of GTA V and Expectations for GTA VI
With the release of GTA V, the possibility of the series expanding to international locations decreased. The game became one of the best-selling video games of all time and was a major financial success for Rockstar Games. This success ensured that the series remained US-based. GTA VI is also expected to be set in the USA, but Rockstar's past international location plans show the future potential of the series.
With the release of GTA VI, players' expectations have also increased. Expanding the series to locations outside the United States could provide a new and exciting experience for players. However, Rockstar Games' financial success and US-centric storytelling make it difficult for the series to expand to international locations.
The Future of GTA: Are International Locations Possible?
The GTA series has enjoyed great success with its US-centric storytelling for years. However, the series' past international location plans show Rockstar Games' future potential. Cities such as Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Moscow and Istanbul could add a new dimension to GTA's storytelling. However, the series' financial success and US-centric storytelling make it difficult to expand to international locations.
With the release of GTA VI, players' expectations have also risen. Expanding the series to locations outside the United States could provide a new and exciting experience for players. However, Rockstar Games' financial success and US-centric storytelling make it difficult for the series to expand to international locations. Still, past plans for the series show its future potential.
