Makers of the first GTA game still waiting to play upcoming edition

Grand Theft Auto 6 is approaching its launch after a wait of nearly 13 years, multiple delays, and several major leaks. Rockstar Games has kept details of the upcoming title strictly guarded, withholding early access even from the people who helped create the original game.

Origins

GTA co-creator Dave Jones and original writer and publicist Brian Baglow have yet to get an early look at the game. Jones told the BBC that even the original creators are waiting to see what Rockstar Games has developed. When asked if they managed to play the new title before its release, Baglow shook his head, though he appeared unfazed by the lack of early access. The very first Grand Theft Auto game was launched by Dundee-based DMA Design, which was a relatively small development studio compared with today's major gaming teams.

Development

After finding success with its puzzle game Lemmings, the studio began exploring a racing title initially named Race'n'Chase. Working at Dundee's Abertay University, the team wanted a unique spin and decided to let players leave vehicles and explore the game world on foot. Developers initially considered letting players control police officers as well as criminals, but abandoned the idea because following established rules felt too restrictive. Jones said the team chose to focus on playing the bad guy because it was much more fun.

Sales Growth

Commercial performance for the original game was initially a slow burn compared to Lemmings. Jones noted that players needed to experience the game themselves to understand its appeal. Baglow recalled that sales continued to grow throughout the year following its release, driven largely by player recommendations and word of mouth as people shared their experiences.

Context

Grand Theft Auto has grown from a small studio project into one of the largest and most lucrative entertainment franchises in history. Strict security measures around major game releases are common in the modern gaming industry to prevent spoilers and protect marketing rollouts.