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Dan Houser Reflects on GTA’s Origins and Freedom-First Design as Rockstar Faces Union-Busting Allegations

In a TV interview, Houser ties the series’ longevity to a uniquely free, genre‑blending design.

Overview

  • Speaking on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, Houser said the GTA 3 team believed it could be “something really magical” even though interest outside the studio was low until its post‑9/11 launch in 2001.
  • He attributed Grand Theft Auto’s appeal to a strong sense of player freedom created by fusing shooting, driving, and simulation into one experience.
  • Houser cautioned that games can drift toward being “overly focussed on making money,” while predicting creative and commercial tracks will continue in parallel.
  • He noted he is experimenting with AI but called it overrated and less useful than some advocates claim.
  • Coverage also highlights allegations that Rockstar fired 30–40 staff linked to a private union chat, prompting protests in Edinburgh and legal action from the IWGB.