Dan Houser, a co-founder and former lead writer at Rockstar Games, recently shed light on a long-standing question: why does the Grand Theft Auto series consistently choose the United States as its backdrop?
During a candid conversation, Houser explained that, with the sole exception of a small London-based expansion for the original top-down PS1 title, the series has remained firmly rooted in America. He attributes this decision to the rich “Americana” deeply woven into the franchise’s identity.
“We made a little thing in London 26 years ago — GTA London — for the top-down for PS1. That was pretty cute and fun, as the first mission pack ever for PlayStation 1. I think for a full GTA game, we always decided there was so much Americana inherent in the IP, it would be really hard to make it work in London or anywhere else,” Houser remarked.
He continued, highlighting the essential elements that define GTA: “You needed guns, you needed these larger-than-life characters. It just felt like the game was so much about America, possibly from an outsider’s perspective. But that was so much about what the thing was that it wouldn’t really have worked in the same way elsewhere.”
This commitment to its American roots is evident in the upcoming GTA 6, which transports players to the fictional state of Leonida, a vibrant parody of Florida. Early trailers showcase a strong focus on lampooning American culture, continuing the series’ satirical tradition.
The question of GTA venturing overseas is an intriguing one, but Houser’s insights, combined with the franchise’s established brand identity, suggest it’s unlikely. The profound connection between GTA and American society is so strong that a University of Tennessee history professor is even offering a college course on the series in early 2026.
Professor Tore Olsson shared his perspective, noting, “Video games are great at conjuring fictional worlds, but they also impact players’ thinking about real-world times and places. And just as Red Dead Redemption 2 has shaped folks’ perception of the nineteenth-century American West or Ghost of Tsushima has informed their vision of feudal Japan, millions of people around the globe imagine contemporary America through the lens of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Just think of how many GTA veterans have recognized landmarks in Los Angeles and New York thanks to their hours in Los Santos and Liberty City!”
Houser’s philosophy mirrors that of other notable game developers. Todd Howard, Bethesda’s development chief, also affirmed last year that the Fallout series would remain in the U.S., expressing his fondness for the “Americana naivete” that defines its unique tone.
As fans eagerly await GTA 6, currently slated for a May 26, 2026 release, discussions continue around various aspects of the game, including potential pricing. Recent research suggests that a $70 price point might be a “sweet spot” for Rockstar, potentially outperforming a higher $100 tag in terms of overall revenue.
This news offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative decisions that have shaped one of gaming’s most influential franchises, reinforcing its unique identity tied to the American experience.