Grand Theft Auto The franchise has maintained its reputation as a set in America, but according to one ex-Rockstar dev, the company was once surprisingly close to making a game set in Tokyo. over the years, Grand Theft Auto Vice City and San Andreas have gone to their own fictional cities, and trying to depict what Rockstar's version of Tokyo would have looked like is fascinating.
The Grand Theft Auto The franchise has focused on crime-filled tales of heist and dark corners of society, but despite the mature subject matter, Rockstar also approaches it with a wild sense of humor. GTA The games satirically take on American pop culture and its relationship with crime, and while it's a solid match-up, it's also compelling to imagine a scenario where Rockstar has made his way outside America and into another country. According to one of Rockstar's former technical directors, Japan was a real possibility at one point, and it could mark a seriously big turning point for the crime-focused franchise.
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In an exclusive interview with GamesHub, Rockstar North's former technical director, Obey Vermage, revealed that while the company was once considering venturing into other countries and cities, Tokyo was the closest to becoming a reality. According to Vermes, Rockstar also had a Japan-based developer on board to take on the project. Talking about the game, Vermes said, “Tokyo almost happened. Another studio in Japan was going to do it, take our code and do it. GTA: Tokyo. But in the end it didn't happen.” Unfortunately, this is about all the information that Vermeij gave in the interview. Of course, the development was never officially started on the project, but with the Japanese developer lining up for production, it is clear that it was seriously considered at least once. GTACities serve as their own characters for each game, and Tokyo would have been a fascinating direction. Even so GTA While it hasn't explored beyond US borders itself, other games inspired by the Rockstar franchise have made the leap.
GTA-likes that are based outside the US
- Sleeping dogs – Hong Kong
- See Dogs: Army – London
- Mafia: The Old Country – Sicily
The above games are proof of this GTA The formula works beyond its American roots. Vermeij also claimed GTAThe once-planned Tokyo spin-off was only the tip of the iceberg, saying, “We had ideas. GTA Games in Rio de Janeiro, Moscow and Istanbul GTA 6 Had Rockstar decided to move away from its American focus and return to Vice City, it makes one wonder what the franchise would look like today. The reason Rockstar stuck with one country, according to Vermiz, was, “America is basically the epicenter of Western culture, so everyone knows cities, even people who haven't been there. They have a mental image of cities.” With Rockstar dealing with such a big budget, Vermeijs claims that it's only safe to stay in America, which makes sense, but it still raises the “what if?” That leaves the question. Hanging in the air.
Tokyo almost happened. Another studio in Japan was going to do it, take our code and do it GTA: Tokyo. But in the end it didn't happen.
a new one GTA A match on the busy streets of Tokyo would have been fascinating, but it looks like it will remain a matter of what could have been rather than something that actually happened. Located in Tokyo GTA Perhaps things like Yakuza and illegal Kanzo street racing may be featured, but this is purely speculation. Although it looks like Rockstar will never take it GTA In a non-American city, it's really fun to imagine the possible scenarios that other places present.
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September 17, 2013
- ESRB
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M For Mature 17+ due to blood and gore, intense violence, mature humor, nudity, strong language, strong sexual content, use of drugs and alcohol
- developer(s)
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Rockstar Answers
