Even before the release of GTA 6, fans are already speculating about its successor. Among the most shared fantasies: a return of the franchise to Europe, and more precisely to London. But this idea has just been sharply dismissed by one of the creators of the series, Dan Hauser. In an interview with Lex Fridman, the screenwriter and former Rockstar executive explained why this city, although cult in the history of GTA, will not return anytime soon.
This is not a simple rumor that has just been dispelled, but a real symbol. Because if GTA is today synonymous with fictional American megacities, the saga has already made a notable incursion on the other side of the Atlantic. In 1999, Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 offered players a getaway to the British capital. This mission pack, designed for the PlayStation 1, already bore Hauser’s touch. He was responsible for the writing and production. But despite this heritage, the man is adamant: “26 years ago, we had already created a small project in London, GTA London, for the top-down game on PS1. It was quite nice and fun, the very first mission pack for PlayStation”.
A city not “GTA-compatible” enough, according to Dan Hauser
If London is a dream for fans, it is also because it has never been revisited in 3D by Rockstar. But Hauser doesn’t think that’s a good setting for a modern GTA. He describes what, in his opinion, makes a good city for the series: “A real melting pot where luxury, glitter, slums, immigrants and colossal wealth mix.” According to him, cities like Miami, New York or Los Angeles meet criteria, but not the British capital.
The decisive argument, however, remains the question of weapons. Hauser recalls that “England has some of the strictest legislation in the world”, to the point that the police there are generally disarmed. This would create a dead end for gameplay, where gun violence is a central element. He adds with a touch of irony: “Going around and beating people with a board is only fun for a while.” Translation: difficult to imagine a credible GTA in a country where access to weapons is almost non-existent.
GTA, a deeply American franchise
Beyond the game mechanics, Hauser emphasizes a more fundamental point: the DNA of Grand Theft Auto is deeply rooted in American culture. Stereotypes, excesses, social excesses – all of this finds particular resonance in cities like Vice City or Liberty City. Wanting to transpose this universe into a British context, even a fictional one, would amount to forcing a formula that does not lend itself to it.
Of course, Rockstar would always have the possibility of circumventing legislative reality by imagining an alternative version of London. But for Hauser, it would be a bad idea: “It would amount to forcing a concept that has no place in the franchise.”
Result: lovers of English tea, foggy pubs and cockney accents will still have to wait. Or immerse yourself in the pixelated memories of 1999.