Dan Houser reveals his vision on the success of GTA and Red Dead Redemption: the fun lies in the player’s freedom
An unusual perspective on game design was shared by Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games and one of the main creators of the narratives of Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. In a recent statement, he stated that, for him, “the most fun part of games isn’t any of the nonsense we write”, referring to the complex plots of his creations.
During his participation in the Tribeca Film Festival, held in New York, Houser detailed that the plot was never the main attraction of Rockstar titles in his vision. For the developer, the most relevant point is the player’s experience, surpassing even the objective of completing the main story.
The creator expressed his satisfaction with any form of fan engagement. “If someone enjoyed the game, great. If you can’t finish the narrative, but loved the title for other reasons, that’s fine. Of course, I would like you to finish the story, as I dedicated a lot of time to it. However, if the fun was guaranteed, that’s enough for me”, explained Houser.
The renowned developer emphasized that the design of the franchises’ open worlds has always prioritized player autonomy. Although the creative team encourages immersion in the narrative, the experience offered by the games extends far beyond the central story missions.
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Reflecting on the intrinsic nature of open-world games, Houser elaborated that they function as a guide. “We want you to experience the story. Since GTA 3, our focus has always been on getting more people to the end of the campaign. But ultimately, the choice lies with the player. People enjoy being in that universe, creating chaos, experimenting and interacting with the systems,” he commented. This philosophy, which values emergence and player agency above linear narrative, is one of the pillars that ensured the longevity and lasting cultural impact of Rockstar’s works, differentiating them in the open world gaming scene.
Houser summarized his point, reiterating that “the most fun part of games isn’t any of the nonsense we write, it’s the systems we create.”
From the perspective of the former president of Rockstar, the great attraction of titles like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption lies precisely in the unexpected situations that emerge from users’ interaction with the virtual environment. Unpredictability becomes a key element.
In his own words, “the most fun will always be being in that world and watching what happens when you jump from a building, attack someone, drive a vehicle or interact with any part of the scenery. This will always have an almost magical touch. In a way, the story is just the complement, the icing on the cake.”
Even though he left Rockstar Games in 2020, Dan Houser remains active in the sector through his new company, Absurd Ventures, which develops a transmedia universe and a new AAA open world project. The influence of its design philosophy, however, still appears to shape Rockstar’s future projects, including the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, whose cover art was recently revealed.
