GTA: Tokyo almost happened — but Rockstar Games pulled back from going global

In a recent interview, former technical director at Rockstar Games, Obbe Vermeij, revealed that the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise once contemplated expanding its horizons beyond the United States. The discussion unveiled ambitions to set future titles in iconic international cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, and Istanbul. One of the more advanced concepts was a project for GTA: Tokyo, which was reportedly in the works with plans for a Japanese studio to utilize Rockstar's proprietary technology. However, this ambitious project was ultimately abandoned before it could progress past the initial planning stages. Vermeij attributed this decision to the stark contrast between creative aspirations and commercial viability. As the GTA franchise evolved into a multi-billion-dollar entity, the risks associated with positioning a primary title outside the US became increasingly daunting. Vermeij emphasized that American cities serve as universally recognizable settings for gamers around the world. Even those who have never set foot in the US possess a cultural familiarity with cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, largely due to their prolific representation in film, television, and music. “When you’re dealing with projects of this scale, people naturally gravitate towards what is known to succeed,” Vermeij stated, highlighting the comfort and reduced risk associated with familiar American locations. While there is a vocal demand from fans for GTA to explore new global territories, the realities of modern game development make such ventures less likely. Each installment typically requires nearly a decade of development time, leading Rockstar to prioritize proven settings over uncharted territories. Even though players might express enthusiasm for cities like Bogotá or Toronto, these locations lack the immediate cultural resonance of their American counterparts. As a result, Vermeij believes the franchise is now in a cycle of revisiting established US-inspired environments. With the upcoming GTA 6 set to take place in Vice City—Rockstar’s stylized representation of Miami—fans can expect a return to familiar ground. According to Vermeij, the anticipation for new releases remains high, regardless of the setting, as advancements in technology and storytelling continually redefine the experience. His views resonate with those of Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser, who previously discussed the franchise’s cultural roots in an interview. Houser pointed out that, apart from the experimental GTA: London in the late 1990s, the series has always been closely tied to American culture. He argued that the exaggerated themes of crime and larger-than-life characters are deeply embedded in an American context, and moving the franchise overseas could risk diluting its essence.