Why Grand Theft Auto Remains Rooted in America: Dan Houser Explains Series' Iconic Setting

In a recent interview with American podcaster Lex Fridman, Dan Houser—co-founder of Rockstar Games and former lead writer for the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series—provided rare insight into the creative direction behind one of gaming's most iconic franchises.

Houser, who exited Rockstar Games in 2020, reflected on the enduring choice to center GTA titles within distinctly American locales, a decision that has come to define both the series and Rockstar’s narrative voice. Since its inception, the Grand Theft Auto series has primarily explored three fictionalized American cities: San Andreas (inspired by Los Angeles), Vice City (based on Miami), and Liberty City (modelled after New York City).

These locales, rich in Americana and cultural satire, have allowed Rockstar to build sprawling worlds teeming with personality and biting social commentary.

However, longtime fans may recall early experiments outside the U.S., including GTA London mission packs set in the UK capital and the futuristic Anywhere City, USA, in Grand Theft Auto 2. Despite fan speculation—and even hope—for a return to London or other international settings, Houser clarified why such a pivot is unlikely.

Speaking candidly with Fridman, Houser stated that the unique cultural landscape of America is inseparable from GTA’s DNA.

"For the full experience of a Grand Theft Auto game, we realized there was a deep connection to American culture at the heart of the series,' Houser explained.

'The mix of guns, larger-than-life personalities, and the complex tapestry of U.S.

society made it the ideal backdrop.

Trying to recreate that energy in London or another city would be a challenge, and it simply wouldn’t resonate in the same way.' This perspective not only explains the absence of London from recent mainline releases but also sheds light on the fate of other proposed international projects.

Over the years, reports of shelved concepts like GTA Berlin, GTA Tokyo, and GTA Bogota have surfaced, yet none progressed beyond early planning.

Several former Rockstar Games employees have supported Houser’s account.

In an interview earlier this year, a former Rockstar New York staffer recalled logistical and narrative hurdles when considering Tokyo.

'There was a lot of interest in setting a game there—especially after the success of GTA III when the team traveled to Tokyo for promotion,' the source said.

'But weaving the city’s culture into the signature GTA style, and crafting a story compelling enough to match our established worlds, proved too difficult.

Ultimately, we decided it was best to build upon the cities familiar to players since the original Grand Theft Auto.' First released in 1997, Grand Theft Auto’s evolution from London mission packs to sprawling American metropolises has mirrored Rockstar’s growth into one of the industry’s most lauded developers.

As the franchise continues to achieve sales records and cultural relevance—regularly topping Nintendo Switch eShop charts and becoming a staple in discussions during Nintendo Direct presentations—its strong sense of place remains a core strength.

For fans, while the vision of a new international setting may be intriguing, the allure of Rockstar’s satirical take on America is what continues to drive the series’ success and creative energy.

America Rockstar Games Grand Theft Auto Rockstar Dan Houser Lex Fridman Eurogamer San Andreas Vice City Liberty City GTA London GTA Berlin GTA Tokyo GTA Bogota Rockstar New York