Rockstar Games has a reputation of putting out massive, high-quality games that rake in billions of dollars and earn widespread critical acclaim. When it comes to new releases, Rockstar’s track record is nearly spotless, and so it’s no surprise that hopes are high for the upcomingGrand Theft Auto 6. It took Rockstar nearly a decade to even confirm that the game exists, but now thatGTA 6has been announced, it’s just a matter of time until fans get to see it in action.
WithGTA 5being the most profitable entertainmentproduct ever produced to date, Rockstar is obviously going to do everything in its power to ensure thatGrand Theft Auto 6is just as big, if not bigger. The full force of Rockstar Games is likely behind the project, with the developers working hard to produce a product that meets fans' lofty expectations and keeps theGTAfranchise on top of the gaming world. Chances are good thatGrand Theft Auto 6will be another high-quality release from Rockstar that smashes financial records and earns near-universal acclaim from critics, but the game does have one big disadvantage that its predecessors did not.
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Since its inception, Rockstar Games has been guided by brothers Dan and Sam Houser, who have both played extensive roles in all the company’s major products. The brothers have earned a reputation as two of the most talented game makers the industry has seen, with widespread acclaim for their work. Dan and Sam have collaborated on everything from the breakout hit that wasGrand Theft Auto 3all the way to theaward-winningRed Dead Redemption 2, but it will be a different story forGrand Theft Auto 6.
After launchingRed Dead Redemption 2in 2018, Dan Houser went on hiatus, eventuallyresigning from Rockstar Games in 2020. Dan Houser played a key role at Rockstar Games for decades, working as a producer, writer, and more on the company’s biggest releases, including the aforementionedGrand Theft Auto 3,Vice City,San Andreas,Grand Theft Auto 4,Grand Theft Auto 5, theRed Dead Redemptiongames, and more. While there are many people at Rockstar Games that have helped form its creative vision, there’s no denying how huge Dan Houser has been when it comes to the company’s expert storytelling and writing. Dan Houser has helped Rockstar Games find its unique voice, and he simply won’t be around to assist with the development ofGTA 6.
Since leaving Rockstar Games, Dan Houser has founded his own game development company, Absurd Ventures.Absurd Ventures has yet to announce any projects, but considering the work Dan has put out over the years, all eyes will be on the company to see what he does next. Sam Houser, meanwhile, is still at Rockstar Games, serving as the current president of the company.
It’s not entirely clear why exactly Dan Houser left Rockstar Games, but the rumor is Dan wanted to work on new projects, whereas parent company Take-Two wanted the brothers to stay focused on making content for the wildly successfulGrand Theft Auto Online. Fans should take this information with a grain of salt, but if the rumors are to be believed, Dan essentially left Rockstar Games due to creative differences. But again, the specifics of the situation are not public knowledge. Some of it is even based on awildRed Dead Redemption 2theorythat Dan secretly wrote an allegory for the situation in the game, so unless the Housers or someone else steps forward for more information, all fans can really do is speculate about the behind-the-scenes happenings.
Regardless of whyDan Houser left Rockstar Games, the fact of the matter is that it leaves the company in uncharted waters. Every major Rockstar release for decades has had Dan Houser involved in some capacity, meaningGrand Theft Auto 6will be the first title the company ships without him. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see ifGrand Theft Auto 6is still able to meet fan expectations without Dan Houser’s influence on the story.
As it stands, it will likely be quite some time before fans get to seeGrand Theft Auto 6at all. A leaker has claimed that thefirstGrand Theft Auto 6screenshotwas hidden inGrand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition, and it seems to show a house in a Florida-style neighborhood. Between that and claims from reliable insiders, it seems like a safe bet thatGrand Theft Auto 6will be set in Vice City, but otherwise fans really don’t know anything about the game, its characters, or its story.
It’s far too early to make any judgment calls aboutGrand Theft Auto 6, seeing as it’s just recently been announced and Rockstar revealed nothing about it in an official capacity beyond that it’s in development. Even so, thelack of Dan Housermeans that the game is at a disadvantage compared to its predecessors. Time will tell how the final product turns out, and if whatever Dan Houser is cooking up at Absurd Ventures is able to match it.
