Dan Houser on GTA 6, Red Dead 3, and Rockstar's Future
Dan Houser, the creative visionary and co-founder of Rockstar Games, has offered a rare and candid look into his feelings on the future of the blockbuster franchises he helped create. In a wide-ranging conversation, Houser revealed that while he is watching the development of *Grand Theft Auto 6* from a distance, the thought of a potential *Red Dead Redemption 3* being made without him would be a more emotionally charged experience.
Houser, who departed from the legendary studio in 2020 after the monumental launch of *Red Dead Redemption 2*, was a principal creative force and lead writer for nearly every major Rockstar title. His detailed narratives and world-building are synonymous with the quality and depth players have come to expect. Speaking on a recent podcast with Lex Fridman, Houser gave fans an unprecedented glimpse into his post-Rockstar perspective.
A Tale of Two Franchises: Houser's Emotional Connection
When asked about watching his former studio continue the *Grand Theft Auto* series, Houser expressed a sense of detachment, noting the franchise's long history and his feeling that his work on it had reached a natural conclusion. However, his sentiment shifted dramatically when the hypothetical topic of *Red Dead Redemption 3* arose.
"I think that would be sadder," Houser stated, reflecting on the possibility of a third installment in the Western epic. He elaborated that *Red Dead Redemption 2* was a particularly all-consuming and personal project for him and the team. Having concluded his tenure at Rockstar immediately following that game's release, the series represents his final, monumental contribution to the studio's legacy.
The *Red Dead* series, particularly the second game, was lauded for its profound storytelling, character development, and emotional weight. It's clear that the journey of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang holds a special place for Houser, making the thought of its continuation without his involvement a more poignant concept than that of *GTA 6*.
The Ghost of Los Santos: A Protagonist's Fate Revealed
Beyond his feelings on future titles, Houser also shared fascinating details about past creative decisions. He revealed a significant, long-rumored detail about the original ending planned for *Grand Theft Auto V*. According to Houser, the initial story arc involved a much darker fate for one of its three protagonists.
In the early stages of development, the plan was for Michael De Santa to be killed off. This would have fundamentally altered the game's narrative and denied players the opportunity to switch between all three characters in the post-game world. However, as the team developed the unique three-protagonist system, they realized that keeping Michael, Franklin, and Trevor alive was essential to the game's groundbreaking design and player freedom. This insight highlights the fluid nature of game development, where gameplay mechanics can ultimately reshape a story's intended path.
Watching Grand Theft Auto 6 From the Sidelines
As the world eagerly awaits the 2025 release of *Grand Theft Auto 6*, Houser is in the unique position of being both a foundational architect and an outside observer. He expressed no ill will, only confidence in the team he left behind to continue the legacy.
He acknowledged the immense pressure on the development team at Rockstar to exceed the sky-high expectations set by previous entries. From his perspective, the franchise is in capable hands, and he looks forward to experiencing the game as a player, a novel experience for someone who has spent decades shaping its universe from the inside. His comments serve as a powerful vote of confidence in the studio's ability to once again redefine the open-world genre.
The End of an Era and a New Beginning
Dan Houser's departure from Rockstar Games marked the end of a significant chapter in video game history. After a long sabbatical following the intense development cycle of *Red Dead Redemption 2*, he officially left the company he co-founded with his brother, Sam.
Now, Houser has embarked on a new journey with his studio, Absurd Ventures. The company's mission is to build new narrative worlds and create original intellectual properties that can be explored across various forms of media, not limited to video games. This new path allows him to continue his passion for storytelling on a new frontier, free from the weight and expectations of his past creations. His work continues to be a space to watch for anyone who values deep, character-driven narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Dan Houser?
Dan Houser is the co-founder and former Vice President of Creativity for Rockstar Games. He was the lead writer or a key member of the writing team for iconic games like the *Grand Theft Auto* series, *Red Dead Redemption* 1 & 2, *Bully*, and *Max Payne 3*.
Why did Dan Houser leave Rockstar Games?
Dan Houser officially left Rockstar Games in March 2020. This followed an extended leave of absence he took after the release of *Red Dead Redemption 2* in 2018. While no single reason was publicly cited, the departure came after decades of leading one of the industry's most successful and demanding studios.
Is Red Dead Redemption 3 officially confirmed?
No, Rockstar Games has not officially announced or confirmed that *Red Dead Redemption 3* is in development. Dan Houser's comments were based on a hypothetical future for the series.
What is Dan Houser's new company?
Dan Houser's new company is called Absurd Ventures. It was founded to create new intellectual properties and story-driven worlds that will be expressed through various media, including but not limited to video games.