What is the First Grand Theft Auto Game?
The Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series has become a household name, synonymous with open-world gaming and sandbox experiences. With its vast popularity and influence, it’s no wonder many gamers and fans of the series often ask: what is the first Grand Theft Auto game? In this article, we’ll take a step back in time and explore the origins of the franchise, tracing its roots to the very first game that started it all.
Early Beginnings
Rockstar Games, the development studio behind the GTA series, was founded in 1998 by Sam Houser, Dan Houser, Terry Donovan, and Jamie King. Prior to the creation of GTA, the studio had worked on several smaller projects, including the critically acclaimed Lemmings series.
In the late 1990s, Rockstar Games began working on a new project, codenamed "Rockstar North," which would eventually become the first Grand Theft Auto game. The team was led by Dave Jones, a British game developer and founder of Rockstar North.
What is the First Grand Theft Auto Game?
Released in 1997 for the PlayStation console, Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Take-Two Interactive. The game is set in Liberty City, a fictional city loosely based on New York City, and follows the story of Claude, a young criminal who seeks revenge against a group of gang members who killed his girlfriend.
Here are some key features that set GTA apart from other games of its time:
• Open-world exploration: GTA was one of the first games to allow players to explore a fully realized, open-world environment. This innovative feature gave players the freedom to roam the streets, complete missions, and engage in various activities.
• Crime and criminal activity: GTA was known for its graphic violence, crime, and criminal activity. Players could engage in a variety of illegal activities, such as carjacking, robbing stores, and fighting gang members.
• 3D graphics: GTA featured 3D graphics, which were a major departure from the 2D graphics of earlier games. The game’s visuals were praised for their level of detail and realism.
• Non-linear gameplay: GTA introduced non-linear gameplay, allowing players to complete missions in any order they chose. This innovative feature added a new layer of replayability to the game.
Impact and Legacy
The first Grand Theft Auto game received critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over 5 million copies worldwide. Its success can be attributed to its innovative gameplay mechanics, open-world exploration, and dark humor.
The game’s impact on the gaming industry was significant, influencing many other open-world and sandbox games that followed. It also set the stage for the development of subsequent GTA games, which would further refine the formula and become some of the best-selling games of all time.
Comparison with Later GTA Games
Here’s a comparison of the first Grand Theft Auto game with some of its later counterparts:
| Game | Release Year | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Theft Auto (1997) | 1997 | Open-world exploration, crime and criminal activity, 3D graphics, non-linear gameplay |
| Grand Theft Auto III (2001) | 2001 | 3D graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, mission-based structure |
| Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004) | 2004 | 3D graphics, open-world exploration, improved combat mechanics, non-linear gameplay |
| Grand Theft Auto V (2013) | 2013 | 3D graphics, open-world exploration, improved gameplay mechanics, multiplayer features |
As you can see, the first Grand Theft Auto game laid the groundwork for the series, introducing many features that would become standard in later games.
Conclusion
The first Grand Theft Auto game, released in 1997, was a groundbreaking title that revolutionized the gaming industry. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, open-world exploration, and dark humor set the stage for the development of subsequent GTA games, which would go on to become some of the best-selling games of all time.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the world of GTA, understanding the origins of the franchise provides valuable insight into its evolution and the factors that have contributed to its enduring popularity.
So, what is the first Grand Theft Auto game? It’s the game that started it all – a game that continues to influence the gaming industry to this day.
