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Why GTA Studio Co-Founder Is Avoiding GTA 6–And All Open-World Games
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser revealed he is actively avoiding Grand Theft Auto 6 and other open-world games to maintain creative focus for his new company, Absurd Ventures. He explained that consuming other open-world titles would be too distracting and lead to unwanted comparisons, impacting his own creative process.
Rockstar co-founder refuses to play GTA 6 but not because of any bad blood
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser will not play Grand Theft Auto 6, nor will he watch its trailers, to avoid creative disruption. Houser, who left Rockstar in 2020, is currently focused on his own open-world game projects at Absurd Ventures. Despite his personal avoidance, pre-order figures for Grand Theft Auto 6 are described as 'unprecedented' by publisher Take-Two Interactive.
There is “No Greater Compliment” Than Comparisons With Grand Theft Auto, Says Dan Houser
Former Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser stated that comparisons to Grand Theft Auto are a significant compliment, though he hopes his new company, Absurd Ventures, will succeed on its own merits. Houser discussed the pressures of developing GTA titles and his focus on creating impactful and fresh experiences with integrity, regardless of market success. Absurd Ventures is working on various projects across different mediums, including a game with Ascendant Studios.
Former GTA lead says "there's no greater compliment" than being compared to his Rockstar classics, but he hopes his new game is "successful in its own right"
Former Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser stated that while comparisons to his Grand Theft Auto classics are a compliment, he hopes his new projects at Absurd Ventures will succeed on their own merits. He discussed the pressure of developing major titles and his focus on creating work he is proud of, regardless of market success.
Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser is avoiding GTA 6 so it doesn't "distract or disrupt" his new games, including another open-world comedy
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser stated he is actively avoiding Grand Theft Auto 6 to prevent creative distractions from his own projects at Absurd Ventures, which include a new open-world comedy game. Houser explained his philosophy of not comparing his work to others, especially given his deep involvement in the Grand Theft Auto franchise's history.
Ex-Rockstar Boss Dan Houser Doesn't Play a Lot of Open-World Games – and Doesn't Plan to Play GTA 6
Former Rockstar Games co-boss Dan Houser revealed he does not play many open-world games and intends to avoid Grand Theft Auto 6. This creative decision is to prevent external influences on his new game projects at Absurd Ventures.
Report: Crossfire dev That's No Moon lays off 14 staff
That's No Moon, the developer of the upcoming game Crossfire, has reportedly laid off 14 employees. The news comes from multiple LinkedIn posts by affected staff members. The studio was founded in 2021 with a significant investment from publisher Smilegate.
Rockstar Co-Founder And GTA Co-Creator On Physical Games: Companies Should Provide It If People Want It
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser stated that companies should provide physical game discs if consumers want them, despite his personal indifference. He also acknowledged the benefits of digital games for updates and fixes. Sony is phasing out disc support for PlayStation in 2028, a move experts attribute to increased control and profitability, while Grand Theft Auto 6 will be a digital-exclusive with a code in the box.
Rockstar Games and GTA co-founder chimes in on the raging physical games debate: "If people want that, companies should provide it"
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser and writer Lazlow Jones have weighed in on the debate surrounding physical versus digital game releases. Houser stated that if consumers want physical copies, companies should provide them, while Jones expressed appreciation for the convenience of digital downloads on devices like the Steam Deck. Both acknowledged the value of physical media, drawing parallels to their current work in comic books.
Rockstar Games co-founder and GTA co-creator Dan Houser says he loves physical media, but digital releases have their…
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser expressed his personal indifference towards physical game media but believes companies should continue offering it if consumers desire. He highlighted the benefits of digital distribution for developers, citing the ease of updating and fixing games. Houser's comments come as PlayStation plans to cease disc production and concerns arise about the ownership and accessibility of digital libraries.
Dan Houser shrugs at physical media — then admits he loves it
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser expressed conflicting views on physical media, stating he doesn't personally care but believes companies should provide it if consumers want it. He acknowledged the utility of digital updates for game quality while also admitting a personal fondness for physical products, particularly in the context of his new venture, Absurd Ventures.
Rockstar Co-Founder Dan Houser Says There’s No Right Way to Play an Open-World Game
Absurd Ventures co-founders Dan Houser and Lazlow discussed the creation of open-world video games during a panel at the 2026 Tribeca Festival. Houser shared his perspective that there is no single correct method for playing an open-world title.
Former GTA lead Dan Houser's new "AAA story-driven open world video game" and animated series unveils its main cast, featuring stars of 30 Rock and Billions
Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games and former narrative lead on Grand Theft Auto, has revealed details about his new studio Absurd Ventures and its upcoming AAA story-driven open-world video game and animated series, collectively dubbed Absurdaverse. The project's main cast, featuring comedians from shows like 30 Rock and Billions, has been unveiled ahead of further announcements at the Netflix Is A Joke festival.
RACHEL DRATCH, DAN SODER, ARI MATTI AMONG ENSEMBLE OF COMEDY TALENT JOINING DAN HOUSER’S ABSURDAVERSE
Absurd Ventures, founded by Dan Houser, has announced the first wave of voice talent for its upcoming interconnected comedy satire universe, the ABSURDAVERSE. The projects include an animated series and an open-world video game. Voice actors such as Rachel Dratch, Dan Soder, and Ari Matti are attached, with initial animated shorts set to screen at the Netflix Is A Joke Festival.
It's A Shame Rockstar Won't Make A Red Dead Movie, Jack Black Says
Actor Jack Black expressed his desire for a Red Dead Redemption movie, stating that Rockstar's games are highly cinematic and would translate well to film. He even humorously called out Rockstar founders Dan and Sam Houser, despite Dan Houser having left the company.