Grand Theft Auto
News, coverage and analysis tracking Grand Theft Auto across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Rockstar Games workers to vote on unionization right as Grand Theft Auto VI launches
Rockstar Games employees are set to vote on union recognition next month, a move that comes amid ongoing legal battles over alleged union busting. This vote coincides with the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI, with the company's workers aiming to gain a stronger voice on issues like pay, overtime, and job security.
Grand Theft Auto 3 – How Does It Feel to Play in 2026?
This review explores the experience of playing Grand Theft Auto 3 in 2026, highlighting its historical significance and enduring fun despite its age. While the game's 3D world, sandbox gameplay, and immersive atmosphere are praised, the article notes dated mechanics, clunky combat, and frustrating mission design as drawbacks. The Definitive Edition is recommended for its modern conveniences and reduced friction for new players.
Elsewhere is a New Activision Studio Working on an Open-World Game With “Emergent Gameplay”
Activision has established a new studio named Elsewhere, reportedly comprised of industry veterans, to develop an open-world game with a strong focus on emergent gameplay. Job listings indicate the project aims to create believable and reactive experiences within a living world. While AAA games focusing on emergent gameplay have become rarer, titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. are cited as examples.
This is how long it’d take you to replay every single GTA
This article analyzes the significant amount of time required to replay every game in the Grand Theft Auto series. It highlights that the total playtime is considerably longer than many players might anticipate.
"I was a real anglophile": A Canadian's obsession with Viz magazine is why Grand Theft Auto: London's streets are covered in dogs' eggs
This article explores the development of Grand Theft Auto: London, focusing on how a Canadian team at Rockstar Canada, despite limited direct experience with the city, captured a unique cultural essence. Artist Ray Larabie's obsession with the British parody magazine Viz heavily influenced the game, notably by adding dog mess skid marks to the streets, showcasing how cultural outsiders can offer a distinct perspective on a setting.
Red Dead Redemption and Bully "nearly didn't happen," according to Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser revealed that both Red Dead Redemption and Bully nearly didn't make it to release. He explained that original IPs often struggle more than sequels during development, with many AAA games facing difficult periods that require strong core teams to overcome.
Weekend Discussion - October 17, 2026
This Weekend Discussion covers various topics including the arcade version of Street Fighter: The Movie: The Game, an exploration of 'god words', tips for surviving horror movies, and a mention of Grand Theft Auto. The article also touches on the author's personal gaming history and preferences.
Why Do Big Games Keep Being Made Playable In Browsers? A Guide To Vibe-Coded Ports
Recent advancements in AI, particularly large language models, are enabling the reverse-engineering and porting of classic video games to run directly in web browsers. This trend, often referred to as 'vibe-coding,' allows players to access titles like Call of Duty and Halo without downloads or emulators, posing a significant challenge to traditional game publishers who are actively trying to shut down these ports. Companies like Microsoft are reportedly exploring similar browser-based initiatives, while others like Sony and Nintendo are issuing takedowns.
Grand Theft Auto 1 – Almost 30 Years Later
This article reflects on the original Grand Theft Auto, released in 1997 for MS-DOS and Windows, as a precursor to the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. It details the troubled development by DMA Design, its initial reception as a rough and unplayable mess, and its eventual success and legacy. The piece contrasts the original top-down perspective and objective-based gameplay with the freedom and 3D open-world experience of later titles like Grand Theft Auto 3.
Over the Hill review: "The single most stressful game I’ve played in years and I think it hates me"
Over the Hill is a slow-paced and frequently frustrating driving game that focuses on the most laborious aspects of off-road traversal. While the game features vast, detailed environments and some well-designed 'Trail' routes, the core experience is a constant battle against hostile terrain with little sense of variety or reward. The game runs on PC and consoles, offering a solo experience with optional online play.
Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser blames himself for Max Payne 3 - "a large amount of that failure was on me"
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser takes responsibility for the perceived failure of Max Payne 3, citing its lower-than-expected sales and a critical reception that he felt missed the mark. Despite critical acclaim for its mechanics and visual style, Houser believes his writing and decision-making contributed to the game not meeting commercial expectations.
Red Dead’s Shocking Twist Ending Angered A Lot Of People, But It Was The Right Call, Rockstar Co-Founder Says
Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser defended the controversial decision to kill off John Marston in Red Dead Redemption, explaining the narrative and production challenges involved. He noted that while players were angered, the decision was ultimately right for the story's weight and that a similar narrative beat was achieved in Red Dead Redemption II with Arthur Morgan's death.
Max Payne 3 was a "failure," says Rockstar co-founder – because despite writing Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption games, he's no Sam Lake
Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser admits that Max Payne 3 was a personal failure due to not capturing the desired neo-noir tone, despite its technical achievements and solid gameplay. He contrasts his own writing approach with that of Max Payne creator Sam Lake, acknowledging that the game's reception was largely negative.
Rockstar didn't expect so many Red Dead Redemption players to be "livid" over the ending, co-founder says he wanted the same twist in "several" Grand Theft Auto games
Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser expressed surprise at the strong negative reaction to the ending of Red Dead Redemption, where John Marston is killed. He revealed that the decision to kill the protagonist was made due to production realities of open-world games and that he had wanted similar narrative twists in Grand Theft Auto titles. While Houser believes the ending was narratively justified and led to significant player engagement, he acknowledges it confused and angered some players.
Dan Houser Reveals How 9/11 Changed GTA Forever
Co-founder Dan Houser revealed that the iconic cover art style for Grand Theft Auto was influenced by the events of September 11, 2001. This revelation sheds light on how real-world events can shape artistic direction in game development.
Programmer who "fixed" Grand Theft Auto's driving releases a "remaster" of it, Rockstar veteran says "it’s remarkable how much it feels like GTA1"
Original Grand Theft Auto programmer Pat Kerr has released a playable JavaScript demo recreating the game's pioneering vehicle physics, which veteran Rockstar developer Obbe Vermeij credits Kerr with saving. The "remastered" demo captures the feel of the original Grand Theft Auto 1's driving mechanics, showcasing a 2D rigid body dynamics simulation and a novel vehicle simulation layer.
2026 is a low-key revolutionary year for player movement in games
The article analyzes a growing trend in video games towards more granular and realistic player movement mechanics, contrasting with older titles focused on power fantasies. Games like Baby Steps, Cairn, and Big Walk are highlighted for their innovative approaches to fundamental actions like walking and climbing, suggesting a shift in design philosophy driven by the evolution of 3D game development and a desire for more engaging player interaction.
Despite calling Grand Theft Auto 'a videogame franchise built around criminal activity,' Miami-Dade sheriff isn't mad about the NBA's 'Vice City' transformation
Despite initial concerns from Miami-Dade Sheriff Cordero-Stutz about Grand Theft Auto's depiction of criminal activity, she has no issue with the NBA's Miami Heat rebranding their arena and team as 'Vice City' for promotional purposes. The sheriff's department clarified that her concerns were focused on the use of public facilities for promotion, not private business decisions.
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.
