Dan Houser Endorses GTA 6: A New Era for Grand Theft Auto
Last Updated: October 29, 2025
In his first significant public comments since his seismic departure from Rockstar Games, co-founder and legendary writer Dan Houser has addressed the future of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. While confirming he had no involvement in the development of Grand Theft Auto 6, Houser offered a powerful vote of confidence in the new creative team, expressing his excitement to experience the game simply as a fan.
A Legend's Blessing on a New Chapter
Dan Houser, the lead writer and creative force behind every major Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption title, broke his silence on the next installment of the series he helped build into a cultural juggernaut. During a conversation at the end of 2023, Houser confirmed what the industry had long assumed: following his exit from Rockstar Games in early 2020, he played no role in the creation of Grand Theft Auto 6.
His departure marked the end of an era, leaving many to question the narrative direction of the next game. However, Houser's remarks were entirely supportive, offering a positive outlook for the project. He expressed that he is looking forward to playing GTA 6 not as a creator, but "as a gamer," and wished the team at Rockstar well. This statement acts as a crucial endorsement for the new generation of writers and creative leads now guiding the franchise, reassuring a fanbase anxious about the change in leadership.
The Weight of a Creative Legacy
For over two decades, Dan Houser's sharp, satirical writing was the very soul of Grand Theft Auto. His scripts defined the series' tone, creating unforgettable characters and intricate narratives that held a mirror to American culture with unmatched wit. From the gritty parody of New York in Liberty City to the sprawling satire of Southern California in Los Santos, Houser's vision was the foundation of the series' identity.
His absence from GTA 6 is arguably the single greatest creative shift in the franchise's history. When reflecting on his decision to move on, Houser has cited a personal and creative need for a new challenge. This sentiment was solidified with the 2021 founding of his new studio, Absurd Ventures, which aims to build new narrative worlds across multiple platforms, including live-action video, animation, and gaming. The studio's first announced projects, a graphic novel titled "AMERICAN CAPER" and an audio fiction series "A BETTER PARADISE," underscore his commitment to exploring storytelling beyond the massive scope of his previous work.
What This Means for Grand Theft Auto 6
Houser's endorsement provides a symbolic passing of the torch, reassuring players that Rockstar's commitment to narrative excellence remains central to its philosophy. This transition was given a stunning preview in December 2023 with the release of the first official trailer for GTA 6, which shattered YouTube viewership records within hours.
The trailer confirmed a fresh perspective for the series, introducing a modern-day story centered on a "Bonnie and Clyde" inspired duo: Lucia, the series' first female protagonist in the 3D era, and her partner-in-crime, Jason. Set in the neon-soaked, chaotic state of Leonida—a contemporary reimagining of Vice City and its surrounding Florida-esque landscape—the game appears to be tackling themes of viral fame and social media culture.
While the signature satire and cinematic action are clearly returning, the new writing team is poised to evolve the series' narrative beyond the foundation Houser built. His vote of confidence helps solidify the belief that this new chapter is in capable hands. As the world awaits the game's confirmed 2025 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the blessing from one of the franchise's key architects provides a reassuring, if bittersweet, glimpse into the future of Grand Theft Auto.