Rockstar Nearly Made a GTA: Tokyo

Key Takeaways

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Rockstar Games considered developing a Grand Theft Auto title set in Tokyo, but ultimately cancelled the project due to a preference for fictional US cities and concerns about the games potential resonance with the public.
Creative freedom was more prevalent in early Grand Theft Auto development compared to modern AAA projects, which involve larger teams and longer production times.
Obbe Vermeij, a former technical director at Rockstar Games, is currently developing an independent game called Plentiful, inspired by classic god games like Populous, to explore ideas often restricted by large-scale AAA productions.
The cancellation of GTA: Tokyo remains a point of interest among fans and industry observers due to the potential for a unique setting in the Grand Theft Auto series.

Rockstar’s Abandoned Plans for GTA in Tokyo and Other International Cities

Former Rockstar Games technical director Obbe Vermeij recently shared details about the Grand Theft Auto series’ history, including projects that were seriously considered but ultimately abandoned. Vermeij, who contributed to games like GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas, and GTA IV, revealed that Rockstar Games considered developing a Grand Theft Auto title set in Tokyo. The concept involved a Japanese studio adapting the game engine, at Rockstar’s request, for a potential Tokyo-based version. However, Rockstar ultimately canceled the project despite internal discussions. Vermeij explained that Rockstar typically prefers developing fictional cities inspired by the United States, such as Liberty City, Vice City, and Los Santos, because these settings are easily recognizable to players. He noted that projects involving millions of dollars require betting on proven formulas, and a distinctive city like Tokyo might not resonate with the public as strongly. Rockstar also considered setting Grand Theft Auto in Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, and Istanbul.

Creative Freedom in GTA’s Past vs. Modern AAA Development: A Look at Vermeij and the Unrealized GTA: Tokyo

Vermeij also reflected on his time at Rockstar, recalling how team members had more freedom for individual experimentation in earlier games. He contrasted this with modern AAA development’s complexity, which involves massive teams and projects spanning many years, factors that can limit creative freedom. He stated that he does not expect GTA 6 to include flashy spots like Tokyo. Since leaving Rockstar, Vermeij has been developing Plentiful, an independent game inspired by classic “god games” like Populous. He aims to recapture the creative spirit of that genre and explore ideas often restricted by the demands of large-scale AAA productions—constraints he directly experienced while working on the Grand Theft Auto series. The cancellation of GTA: Tokyo remains a point of significant interest among fans and industry observers.

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