Rockstar Co-Founder Discusses GTA 6, Dropped GTA 5 DLC, Medieval Game, and Agent
Dan Houser, the former Vice President of Creative at Rockstar Games, has shared his insights on various games developed by the studio, including the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6). Although he left the company in 2020, Houser remains a prominent figure in discussions about the franchise.
Insights on GTA 5 and Unreleased DLC
In a recent interview with Lex Fridman on YouTube, Houser discussed an unfinished downloadable content (DLC) for Grand Theft Auto V. This DLC was designed to feature Trevor as a secret agent but was ultimately abandoned. Houser mentioned that the project was approximately halfway completed when they decided to halt its development. He speculated that had the DLC been released, it could have impacted the development of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Unrealized Projects from Rockstar
During the interview, Houser revealed more about several intriguing concepts that never materialized. One such project was a James Bond-style game titled Agent. The developers struggled to incorporate a spy thriller’s rising tension into an open-world format, leading to its cancellation before a definitive storyline or time period was established.
Medieval Game Concepts
Houser also mentioned an idea for a game set in a medieval universe, focusing on mythological themes. Although the project never advanced beyond some preliminary backstory and brainstorming, Houser expressed a persistent fascination with the concept. He noted, “Knights would be going really far back in history,” indicating a preference for exploring deeper historical narratives.
Clarifying Mysteries in Red Dead Redemption
When discussing the Red Dead Redemption series, Houser addressed lingering questions about the character Gavin and the enigmatic figure watching John. The unresolved Gavin storyline was purposely crafted not to have a conclusion, while the mysterious character was intended to symbolize the player’s karma or doubt. Houser explained that this character embodied the fears of creative individuals and reflected the consequences of their choices.
Expectations for GTA 6
Despite his departure from Rockstar, Houser is confident in the success of GTA 6. He believes that the high expectations surrounding the game will significantly drive its initial sales. “Anticipation is the best driver of early sales,” he noted, drawing comparisons to GTA IV’s and Red Dead Redemption’s launch performances.
Current Endeavors
Beyond his work with Rockstar, Dan Houser has ventured into novel writing. His latest book, titled *A Better Paradise Volume One: An Aftermath*, is now available on Amazon, showcasing his storytelling skills beyond video games.
