Who Made Grand Theft Auto?
The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series is one of the most popular and iconic video game franchises of all time. With its first installment released in 1997, the series has since grown to include numerous games, spin-offs, and even a film. But who exactly made Grand Theft Auto? Let’s take a closer look at the history and development of the series.
The Early Years: DMA Design
The story of Grand Theft Auto begins with a small development team called DMA Design, founded in 1987 in Dundee, Scotland. The team was led by brothers Mike and David Jones, who had previously worked on various games, including the popular Lemmings series. In the early 1990s, DMA Design began working on a new game concept that would eventually become Grand Theft Auto.
The First Game: Grand Theft Auto (1997)
The first Grand Theft Auto game was released in 1997 for the PlayStation and PC. Developed by DMA Design, the game was a 2D top-down open-world game that allowed players to explore a fictional city, commit crimes, and engage in various activities. The game was a commercial success, selling over 5 million copies worldwide.
The Shift to 3D: Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
The success of the first game led to the development of Grand Theft Auto III, which was released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2. Developed by Rockstar North (formerly DMA Design), GTA III was a 3D open-world game that revolutionized the genre. The game’s 3D graphics and open-world design set a new standard for the industry.
The Rise of Rockstar Games
In 1999, Take-Two Interactive acquired DMA Design, and the company was rebranded as Rockstar North. The name change marked the beginning of a new era for the GTA series, as Rockstar Games became the primary developer and publisher of the franchise. Rockstar Games is known for its attention to detail, immersive storytelling, and innovative gameplay mechanics.
The Evolution of the Series
Since the release of GTA III, the series has continued to evolve, with each new installment introducing new features, gameplay mechanics, and storylines. Some notable games in the series include:
- Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002): Set in the 1980s, Vice City is a 3D open-world game that takes place in a fictional city based on Miami.
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004): Set in the 1990s, San Andreas is a 3D open-world game that takes place in a fictional city based on Los Angeles.
- Grand Theft Auto IV (2008): Set in a fictional city based on New York City, GTA IV is a 3D open-world game that introduces a new game engine and a more realistic storyline.
- Grand Theft Auto V (2013): Set in a fictional city based on Los Angeles, GTA V is a 3D open-world game that introduces a new game engine and a more complex storyline.
Key Developers and Teams
Throughout the history of the GTA series, several key developers and teams have made significant contributions to the franchise. Some notable teams include:
- Rockstar North: The primary developer of the GTA series, Rockstar North is responsible for the development of GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas, and GTA IV.
- Rockstar Games: The publisher of the GTA series, Rockstar Games is responsible for the overall direction and production of the franchise.
- DMA Design: The original developer of the GTA series, DMA Design is responsible for the development of the first Grand Theft Auto game.
Timeline of the GTA Series
Here is a timeline of the GTA series:
Game | Release Year | Developer | Platform(s) |
---|---|---|---|
Grand Theft Auto | 1997 | DMA Design | PlayStation, PC |
Grand Theft Auto III | 2001 | Rockstar North | PlayStation 2, PC |
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City | 2002 | Rockstar North | PlayStation 2, PC |
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas | 2004 | Rockstar North | PlayStation 2, PC |
Grand Theft Auto IV | 2008 | Rockstar North | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC |
Grand Theft Auto V | 2013 | Rockstar North | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC |
Conclusion
The Grand Theft Auto series has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1990s. From its early 2D top-down games to its current 3D open-world masterpieces, the series has continued to evolve and innovate. With its rich history, engaging storylines, and addictive gameplay, the GTA series has become a beloved franchise among gamers around the world.