- A former Rockstar North developer says that a GTA set in Tokyo was almost approved.
- A studio in Japan would have helped develop the game, but the plan was later scrapped.
- Due to risks, it’s improbable for a GTA game to take place outside of America now.
Before credible GTA 6 rumors appeared in the gaming scene, a lot of the hearsay suggested that Rockstar may set GTA 6 outside of America. Such a prospect excited many but ultimately turned out to be a nothing burger, as GTA 6 is revisiting the popular Vice City.
Now, a former Rockstar North developer reveals that Rockstar was once exploring several popular locations for one of its GTA entries, including Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, and Istanbul. A GTA set in the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo was also almost greenlit.
Why it matters: Many GTA franchise fans have long been wanting a game set in London or Tokyo. While Rockstar considered such plans once, the stakes involved now have made it pretty much impossible.
In an interview with GamesHub, ex-Rockstar North technical director Obbe Vermeij mentions that a studio in Japan would have helped develop a GTA Tokyo, but plans were later scrapped by the executives.
We had ideas about GTA games in Rio de Janeiro, Moscow and Istanbul. Tokyo almost actually happened. Another studio in Japan were going to do it, take our code and do GTA: Tokyo.
-Obbe Vermeij, ex- Rockstar Developer.
Similarly, a game set in London or Europe was also brought up, but the former developer insists that ‘it’s just not realistic.’ Since GTA games take about a decade to develop nowadays, the executives only plan to stick with popular American locations.
They’ll revisit New York again. They’ll go back to LA or maybe Las Vegas. I’m afraid we’re stuck in this loop of about five American cities. Let’s just get used to it.
The essence of the GTA franchise also lies in parodying the Western world, especially the United States. Therefore, many critics of this idea have argued that a game set outside of America would also feel incomplete.
Do you think a GTA game being set outside of America is something we’ll ever see in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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