| Image by Softonic |
The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise is one of gaming’s most iconic series, known for its modern-day open-world chaos and cultural influence. But fans used to wonder: Could GTA ever go back to a futuristic setting like GTA 2? According to former Rockstar technical director Obbe Vermeij, that’s highly unlikely. (Softonic)
🕹️ What Happened With GTA 2’s Futuristic Setting?
GTA 2 — released in the late 1990s — was unique in the series for its attempt to place the game in a future world with cyberpunk vibes. However, the experiment did not land with players the way Rockstar hoped. The development team struggled to reinvent core gameplay elements such as weapons and world design, and fans didn’t connect with the setting as strongly as with the original GTA. (Softonic)
Vermeij explained that this disconnect made developers cautious about repeating the approach. They feel that a futuristic context could dilute the franchise’s cultural impact — something that keeps GTA relevant in popular culture today. (Softonic)
📉 The Risk of a Futuristic GTA
According to the interview, setting future GTA titles in a high-tech dystopian world again might be a “big mistake.” This is because:
Players didn’t respond well to GTA 2’s future world. (Softonic)
Reinventing weapons, environments, and mechanics for a new era proved difficult. (Softonic)
The franchise’s culture thrives more on modern and relatable scenarios. (Softonic)
Rockstar even considered settings like Tokyo for a future game but ultimately dismissed them as unnecessary novelty. (Softonic)
💡 Focus on What Works: The Present and Beyond
Instead of revisiting the future, Rockstar seems committed to keeping the GTA world familiar yet evolving. As the series grows — especially with the upcoming GTA VI release scheduled for 2026 — emphasis remains on modern open-world storytelling and immersive gameplay that resonates with players worldwide. (The Times of India)
Fans can therefore expect future GTA entries to build on what works: compelling narratives, cultural relevance, and grounded environments that keep players invested in the streets they explore.
✅ Want GTA 2 game look like:

0 Comments