Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser says GTA games are "not as good as" Charles Dickens books, "but they are similar" in their world-building

GamesRadar+
Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:19:56 +0000

Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games, compares the world-building in Grand Theft Auto (GTA) to that of Charles Dickens, acknowledging that while GTA games are not as good as Dickens' works, they share similarities in storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of creating a comprehensive world in open-world games, akin to the expansive narratives found in 19th-century literature. Houser also reflects on the darker themes in GTA 4, attributing them to his personal circumstances during development.

2025-12-03 | GamesRadar+: Red Dead Redemption 2 is "slightly more novelistic" than GTA 5 because Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser "binged on Victorian novels" for inspiration

Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games, discussed the influence of Victorian literature on the writing of Red Dead Redemption 2, stating that he "binged on Victorian novels" to capture a 19th-century feeling. He compared the world-building in Rockstar's games to that of literary giants like Dickens, emphasizing the importance of creating a realistic narrative with depth. Houser left Rockstar in 2020, citing the lengthy development of GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 as a factor in his departure.

2025-12-04 | Eurogamer: You might think Red Dead Redemption 2 was only inspired by classic Westerns, but it may have been very different if not for the writer's love of a much-loved Victorian-era detective

Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser revealed that Red Dead Redemption 2 drew inspiration not only from Westerns but also from Victorian literature, particularly George Eliot's Middlemarch and Sherlock Holmes. He aimed for a more novelistic tone in the game's storytelling. Houser, who left Rockstar in 2020, launched Absurd Ventures in 2023, which is developing projects including A Better Paradise and American Caper.

2025-12-04 | PC Gamer: Rockstar co-founder finally settles ancient debate: GTA is NOT as good as Charles Dickens

Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser recently stated that the Grand Theft Auto games are "not as good as Dickens," while discussing the narrative and world-building aspects of his work. He compared the storytelling in GTA to 19th-century literature, emphasizing the importance of creating a detailed, immersive world. Houser's reflections raise questions about the future of storytelling in GTA 6 following his departure from Rockstar, particularly regarding the balance between realism and mission design.