 |
| Grand Theft Auto logo set on Tokyo background |
As the gaming world eagerly awaits the eventual GTA 6 release date, a common thread of discussion among fans is the setting. While a return to a neon-soaked, modern-day Vice City has many thrilled, others dream of Rockstar Games breaking its long-standing tradition of U.S.-based locales. Now, a former key developer has confirmed those dreams once came tantalizingly close to reality, with projects like GTA: Tokyo seriously considered before being shelved.
Obbe Vermeij, who served as a technical director on classics like GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas, recently sat down for a revealing interview. During his conversation with GamesHub, he shed light on the franchise’s past crossroads and its likely future, casting doubt on hopes for an international setting in the next installment.
The Global GTA That Never Was: Tokyo, Rio, and Beyond
In a fascinating glimpse into Rockstar’s creative process, Vermeij confirmed that the studio has indeed looked far beyond American borders in the past. Potential locations that were brainstormed included the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro, the stark, sprawling landscapes of Moscow, and the transcontinental allure of Istanbul.
But the frontrunner, it seems, was Japan’s capital. "Tokyo was the one that got the furthest," Vermeij explained. The plan was notably different from Rockstar’s usual hands-on approach. "Another studio in Japan was going to do it, take our code and do GTA: Tokyo," he revealed. Despite the promising setup, the project was ultimately passed over, leaving one of gaming’s great "what if" scenarios.
This revelation isn't entirely new to dedicated followers. As noted by the reliable leak aggregator GTA 6 Info on X, datamined references and old trademark filings have long hinted at Rockstar's Japanese ambitions. An anonymous source within the company had previously corroborated these rumors. Yet, hearing it from a veteran like Vermeij adds significant weight to the story.
Read the full, wide-ranging interview with Obbe Vermeij on GamesHub here, where he discusses the evolution of the series and the challenges of open-world design.
So it seems the entire source code for GTA 5 has been leaked online in a Discord Server 😬
— GTA 6 Info (@GTASixInfo) December 24, 2023
There is also a Bully 2 file, early GTA 5 map & script which confirms GTA 6 was codenamed “Project Americas”
Merry Christmas Rockstar! pic.twitter.com/gnYcCsmls1
Why Rockstar Sticks to American Satire
So, with such intriguing global possibilities explored, why does the franchise remain so steadfastly American? According to Vermeij, it boils down to cultural resonance, satire, and sheer commercial scale.
He elaborates that "America is basically the epicenter of Western culture," and the series' signature sharp, cynical humor is deeply woven into its parody of the American Dream, consumerism, and media. Sticking to recognizable archetypes—like the sun-baked sleaze of Vice City or the urban jungle of Liberty City—allows Rockstar to hone this beloved satire.
Furthermore, the astronomical budgets and extended development cycles of modern AAA games, evidenced by the repeated GTA 6 release date delays, mean Rockstar is producing fewer titles. With more at stake than ever, the incentive to take a massive risk on an unfamiliar setting diminishes.
Vermeij also points to technology as a factor. Instead of seeking novelty in geography, the studio can use advances in detail, AI, and world density to make a familiar location feel utterly new and alive. The focus for GTA 6 maps, he suggests, isn’t on crossing borders but on deepening the immersion within a meticulously reimagined Vice City and its surrounding areas.
What About the South America Rumors?
Recent leaks and rumors have suggested that parts of the GTA 6 maps might extend into South American regions, a theory Vermeij finds logically sound from a narrative perspective. He agrees that the franchise’s themes of crime and the underworld would fit well in locations like Colombia.
However, he tempers expectations. His insider perspective leads him to believe Rockstar’s current priority is perfecting their core setting, making a revamped Vice City as authentic and bursting with detail as possible. Any foray south would likely be secondary to that primary goal.
While the dream of causing chaos on the streets of Tokyo or Rio remains firmly in the past, Vermeij’s insights confirm that the world of Grand Theft Auto was almost much bigger. For now, fans can expect Rockstar to continue holding a satirical mirror to America, proving that sometimes, the deepest stories are found not in traveling wide, but in digging deep.
For the latest in GTA 6 leaks and analysis, follow the ongoing conversation from sources like GTA 6 Info on X.