Why Grand Theft Auto Will Always Be American

Dan Houser’s appearance on the Lex Fridman Podcast provided unprecedented insight into Rockstar’s long-term creative vision for the franchise. The co-founder explained that the series’ DNA is fundamentally intertwined with American culture, making international settings impractical for full-scale GTA titles.​​

The Americana Factor

“We made a little thing in London 26 years ago, GTA London, for the top-down one for the PS1. That was pretty cute and fun,” Houser reflected. However, when discussing why the franchise never returned to international locations, he emphasized the essential elements that require an American backdrop.​

“The studio always decided there was so much Americana inherent in the IP, it would be really hard to make it work in London or anywhere else,” Houser explained. He identified guns, larger-than-life characters, and the series’ satirical take on American culture as non-negotiable components that wouldn’t translate effectively to other countries.​

Historical Context

The only exceptions to GTA’s American rule were the London expansion packs from 1999 – Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 and London 1961 – which served as mission packs for the original top-down game rather than standalone titles. Throughout 28 years and 16 games, the franchise has consistently featured fictional American cities including Liberty City (New York), Vice City (Miami), and Los Santos (Los Angeles).​

GTA 6: Setting the Stage

Grand Theft Auto VI represents the franchise’s immediate future with its confirmed May 26, 2026 release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The game returns to Vice City, reimagined as a modern Florida-inspired location within the fictional state of Leonida.​

Leonida’s Expansive World

The GTA 6 map is expected to be nearly twice the size of GTA V’s Los Santos, featuring Vice City alongside diverse regions representing Florida’s geography. Confirmed locations include Grassrivers (Everglades), the Leonida Keys (Florida Keys), Port Gellhorn, Virginia Key Island, Fisher Island, and Mount Kalaga National Park.​

The game will feature over 700 enterable locations including nightclubs, hotels, restaurants, and metro stations, marking a significant expansion in environmental interactivity. Players will control dual protagonists Jason and Lucia, who navigate Vice City’s criminal underworld while facing mounting odds.​

GTA 7 Location Predictions

Despite GTA 6 not yet launching, the gaming community has already begun speculating about GTA 7’s setting based on recognizable patterns in the franchise. These predictions provide insight into the series’ potential trajectory beyond the 2020s.​​

Liberty City Return Theory

The most prevalent theory suggests GTA 7 will return to Liberty City, Rockstar’s fictional version of New York City. This prediction follows an observable pattern: Vice City appeared in both the 3D era and returns in GTA 6, while San Andreas/Los Santos featured in both the 3D and HD universes.​

Reddit user discussions highlight the logic: “Vice City was set in Miami, and GTA VI will also take place in Miami. San Andreas was based on Los Angeles, and GTA V utilized the same location. Ergo, GTA VII will be based in New York because GTA III took place there”. This pattern recognition suggests Liberty City could receive a modern reimagining approximately 18-20 years after GTA IV.​

Alternative Location Speculation

Some fans advocate for entirely new American cities to break the pattern of revisiting established locations. Chicago and Detroit have emerged as popular suggestions, potentially connected by the Great Lakes region to create a unique Midwest setting.​

Las Vegas (Las Venturas in the GTA universe) represents another possibility, as it appeared in San Andreas but hasn’t received dedicated treatment in the HD era. Texas cities including Houston, Dallas, or Austin have also entered discussions due to their cultural significance and recognition among international audiences.​

Timeline Expectations for GTA 7

Industry analysts and former Rockstar developers predict GTA 7 won’t arrive until the late 2030s or early 2040s. This projection accounts for the 12-year gap between GTA V (2013) and GTA VI (2026), suggesting similar development cycles for future entries.​​

Development Considerations

GTA VI’s estimated development cost exceeds $2 billion when including marketing, making it one of the most expensive entertainment products ever created. However, former Rockstar developers predict GTA 7 could cost less to produce due to advancing AI technology and machine learning applications in game development.​

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has confirmed AI will play a supporting role in future Rockstar titles while emphasizing that human creativity remains paramount. These technological advancements could potentially reduce development time and costs for subsequent GTA installments.​

Potential GTA 6 Expansions

Before GTA 7 materializes, substantial post-launch content for GTA 6 appears likely based on Rockstar’s historical patterns and community speculation.​

Liberty City DLC Possibility

Multiple factors support potential Liberty City expansion content for GTA 6. Protagonist Lucia’s backstory reveals she originated from Liberty City before moving to Vice City, providing narrative justification for returning to the iconic city. Evidence from GTA 6 trailers including Liberty City license plates, branded merchandise, and references to Lucia’s past have convinced many fans that the city will appear in some capacity.​

This DLC approach would mirror GTA IV’s successful episodic expansions (The Lost and Damned, The Ballad of Gay Tony) while allowing Rockstar to deliver new content without the full development cycle of a separate game.​

Online Mode Evolution

GTA 6 Online will likely receive years of continuous updates and expansions, following the successful model established by GTA V Online. Some players speculate about cross-city travel features that could eventually connect Vice City with Los Santos through in-game flights, creating an interconnected GTA universe.​

The online component traditionally generates substantial ongoing revenue for Rockstar, suggesting priority focus on multiplayer content throughout GTA 6’s lifecycle.​

Rockstar’s Project Pipeline

Beyond GTA, Rockstar’s future development slate includes multiple possibilities across their established franchises and potential new intellectual properties.​

Red Dead Redemption 3

Red Dead Redemption 3 remains a possibility, though likely not for another decade given Rockstar’s development timelines. Red Dead Redemption 2 achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing the franchise as a premier property alongside GTA.​

Some fans argue that RDR2 perfected the formula, suggesting Rockstar should explore new IPs rather than continue the Western saga. However, the franchise’s popularity and Rockstar’s investment in the era make a third installment probable eventually.​

Bully 2 and Other Projects

Bully 2 has reportedly been in and out of development multiple times, most recently cancelled in 2017 when resources shifted to GTA 6 and Red Dead Redemption 2. Fans remain hopeful for a sequel to the 2006 cult classic, though Rockstar hasn’t confirmed active development.​

Legendary rumors suggest Rockstar has considered a medieval-themed open-world game (Project Medieval), which would represent a dramatic departure from their modern and historical American settings. A grounded, realistic medieval game could fill a significant gap in the gaming market while showcasing Rockstar’s world-building expertise in a new era.​

Machine Learning and AI Integration

Rockstar’s GDC 2021 presentation revealed significant investments in machine learning approaches for future projects. These advancements include runtime compositional techniques, large-scale data-driven frameworks, greater variety in character movement, and enhanced AI responsiveness for both humans and animals.​

These technological improvements could revolutionize how Rockstar creates massive open worlds, potentially enabling more frequent releases or larger-scale environments than previously possible. The company emphasizes that AI serves as a tool to support human creativity rather than replace it, maintaining the handcrafted quality that defines Rockstar games.​

Franchise Philosophy and Creative Direction

Houser’s comments reveal that maintaining American settings isn’t merely preference but fundamental to GTA’s identity. The series’ success stems from its outsider’s satirical perspective on American excess, violence, celebrity culture, and the criminal pursuit of the American Dream.​

Cultural Satire

The franchise’s satirical edge targets uniquely American institutions and cultural phenomena that wouldn’t translate effectively to other countries. Gun culture, car-centric urban design, diverse regional personalities, and the specific flavor of American crime stories all contribute to GTA’s distinctive voice in the open-world genre.​

This creative philosophy suggests future installments will continue exploring different American cities and regions, each offering unique cultural characteristics to satirize and celebrate. From Southern hospitality to Midwest work ethic to East Coast ambition, various American cultures provide abundant material for Rockstar’s signature storytelling approach.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will GTA 7 be released?

A: GTA 7 likely won’t arrive until the late 2030s or early 2040s. Considering the 12-year gap between GTA V and GTA VI, similar development cycles suggest at least another decade before GTA 7 launches.​​

Q: Will GTA ever be set outside the United States?

A: No, according to Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser. He explained that American culture, gun availability, and larger-than-life characters are essential to the franchise’s identity and wouldn’t work effectively in other countries.​

Q: What city will GTA 7 likely feature?

A: Liberty City (New York) is the most popular prediction among fans and analysts. This follows the pattern of revisiting classic GTA cities in new eras, though Chicago, Las Vegas, or Texas cities remain possibilities.​

Q: Will GTA 6 receive story DLC expansions?

A: While not officially confirmed, many fans hope for story expansions similar to GTA IV’s episodes. Liberty City DLC seems particularly likely given protagonist Lucia’s backstory connections to the city.​

Q: What other games is Rockstar working on besides GTA?

A: Rockstar’s future pipeline potentially includes Red Dead Redemption 3, Bully 2, remasters of older titles, and possibly a medieval-themed game. However, GTA 6 and its online component will dominate the company’s focus for years after launch.​

Q: Will AI technology change how future GTA games are made?

A: Yes, but as a support tool rather than replacement for human creativity. Former Rockstar developers predict AI and machine learning will reduce production costs and potentially development time for GTA 7.​

Q: Could multiple GTA cities be connected in future games?

A: This remains speculative, but some fans theorize future games or DLC could enable travel between cities like Vice City and Liberty City. Technical capabilities continue advancing, making interconnected cities increasingly feasible.​

Q: Why did Rockstar only make GTA London once?

A: GTA London (1969 and 1961) were small expansion packs for the original top-down game. Rockstar determined that the core GTA experience requires American settings for its satirical tone and gameplay elements to work effectively.​

Q: What happened to Bully 2?

A: Bully 2 has been cancelled multiple times, most recently in 2017 when Rockstar needed all resources for Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA 6 development. No current development has been confirmed, though fan interest remains strong.​

Q: How long will Rockstar support GTA 6 after launch?

A: Based on GTA V’s model, expect extensive support for 5-10 years minimum. GTA 6 Online will likely receive continuous updates, expansions, and new content throughout the 2030s before attention fully shifts to GTA 7.

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