As anticipation builds for the launch of GTA 6, Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser has shared insights into the unique formula that has made the Grand Theft Auto franchise one of the most successful in gaming history. Houser described a “fake” aspect at the heart of the games’ appeal, explaining how creating a simulated world allowed players to fully immerse themselves.
According to Houser, the franchise’s rise to fame is linked to its ability to offer a digital universe where players could experience life in an exaggerated, cinematic environment. “Also, when people talk about ‘the metaverse’ or this digital world, those were the first games that showed you this idea of living in this fake place,” he said, highlighting GTA as a precursor to immersive virtual worlds long before the term “metaverse” became popular.
He explained that players could navigate the game as simulated versions of themselves, experiencing scenarios that blend action, driving, and simulation into a single, fluid experience. “Before that, games were either a shooting game, a driving game, or a simulation game, and it [GTA] was all three smashed together in a way that felt very free,” Houser noted.
GTA 6 is now expected to be the biggest and most expensive game ever produced, building on the popularity of GTA 5, which laid the foundation for its unprecedented hype. With expectations of massive sales and global attention, the game is poised to set new standards in gaming and digital entertainment. Houser emphasized that Rockstar’s success was aided by a team highly skilled at integrating diverse gameplay elements into a cohesive, engaging experience, creating a world that players can lose themselves in.
