Why GTA Will Always Be Set in the US: Insights from Rockstar Co-Founder Dan Houser
Rockstar Games has long been synonymous with the Grand Theft Auto series, and its co-founder and former head, Dan Houser, recently shed light on why the franchise will always be rooted in the United States. In a candid interview on the Lex Fridman podcast, Houser explained that the series’ signature counter-culture themes are deeply embedded in Americana, or at least a stylized interpretation of it. He noted, “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.” However, he implied that the iconic cities of the US, such as Liberty City and Los Santos, are the only settings where the game’s satirical and rebellious spirit can truly flourish.
Houser, who left Rockstar in 2020 after guiding the narratives of the first five GTAs and the Red Dead Redemption series, emphasized that the US provides a unique cultural and social landscape that fuels the franchise’s storytelling. The country’s diverse urban environments, from New York to Miami, offer a rich tapestry of characters, conflicts, and absurdities that align perfectly with GTA’s satirical edge. This connection between the game’s themes and American culture is why the series has remained so iconic and resonant with players worldwide.
Meanwhile, Rockstar Games is making headlines with the imminent release of GTA 6. The company recently announced what is effectively GTA 6 Trailer 3, set to drop soon, and pre-orders are already live for the standard and ultimate editions ahead of the November 19 release. Players who pre-order can pre-load the game starting November 12. The excitement is palpable, with fans believing that a Rockstar announcement could happen any day now, making the third trailer feel “imminent.”
In addition to the GTA 6 buzz, Rockstar continues to keep the community engaged with the GTA Online Weekly Update, which has introduced new content as part of the ongoing Summer Heist Event. This consistent support for the online component ensures that players
Shimanta Das 
