Rockstar nearly released GTA: Tokyo, but GTA 6 maps outside U.S. unlikely says former dev

Despite the anticipation ahead of the GTA 6 release date, some fans would have preferred a more unexpected setting. While Rockstar Games has focused on U.S. locations, a former developer confirms that GTA: Tokyo was almost a reality. Still, Obbe Vermeij doesn’t expect GTA 6 maps to expand outside the country.

Will GTA ever explore new territory again?

Vermeij served as technical director for GTA 3, GTA: Vice City, and GTA: San Andreas. He recently spoke with GamesHub in a wide-ranging interview. Some of the discussion focused on whether Rockstar would be more adventurous in picking venues for future titles.

The ex-Rockstar North developer revealed that the studio had considered Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, and Istanbul as locales. Tokyo was apparently the closest to becoming a reality. Vermei explains how “Another studio in Japan was going to do it, take our code and do GTA: Tokyo.” However, Rockstar ultimately passed on the project.

The idea of a crime-themed adventure in Tokyo is no revelation. GTA 6 Info highlights how dataminers previously leaked references to the city and related trademarks surfaced. An anonymous Rockstar source also verified rumors. Still, Vermeij doubts that its next game or follow-ups will venture far outside the United States.

Why GTA is so committed to the same scenery

He elaborates that with so much money at stake, the studio prefers to stick to recognizable locations like Vice City. According to Vermeij, “America is basically the epicenter of Western culture.” The satire surrounding this culture has come to define the franchise.

The repeated GTA 6 release date delays are further evidence that AAA games are taking longer to develop. With fewer Grand Theft Auto games anticipated, Rockstar is unlikely to take as many risks. Also, by adding details and depth, technology can make the same maps seem new again.

Other leaks hinted that GTA 6 maps might venture into South America. Vermeij agrees that the game’s theme fits the criminal underworld of countries like Colombia. Even so, he sees the developers concentrating on making a revamped Vice City as authentic as possible.