GTA 3's PS2 Exclusivity Linked to Xbox Launch

Sony Europe's former CEO, Chris Deering, shed light on a strategic move that significantly boosted the PlayStation 2's (PS2) sales and popularity. The decision to secure exclusive rights to Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series for the PS2 was a direct response to the impending launch of the Xbox console.

Sony Signed Special Deals for PS2

Acquiring Exclusive Rights to GTA Paid Off

In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz at EGX in London, Deering explained that Sony's strategy was to counter the Xbox's launch in 2001. Sony approached several third-party developers and publishers, offering them exclusive deals for the PS2. Take-Two, the parent company of Rockstar Games, accepted this offer, leading to the release of three GTA titles exclusively on the PS2: GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas.

Deering expressed concerns about Microsoft potentially offering similar exclusive deals to bolster the Xbox's game library. "We were worried when we saw Xbox coming," he said, which prompted Sony to secure these exclusive agreements.

Despite initial doubts about GTA 3's potential success due to its shift from a top-down perspective to a 3D environment, Sony's strategy proved highly effective. Deering noted, "It was very lucky for us. And actually lucky for them, because they got a discount on the royalty they paid." This move not only helped the PS2 become the best-selling console of all time but also highlighted the common practice of exclusive deals in platform industries.

Rockstar Games’ Leap to 3D Environment

GTA 3 marked a significant shift for the series, introducing a 3D environment that transformed the open-world gaming experience. This change allowed players to explore a detailed Liberty City, filled with sidequests and activities. Rockstar co-founder Jaime King, in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, explained that the transition to 3D was about enhancing storytelling and immersion. "From a storytelling perspective, we knew it would be much more immersive if you could actually get down to the streets and go 3D," he said.

The PS2 provided the technological platform Rockstar needed to realize this vision. Subsequent GTA releases continued to build on this foundation, introducing new stories, mechanics, and graphical improvements. Despite the PS2's limitations, the three GTA games released for it were among the console's top five best-sellers.

Why is Rockstar Games Silent About GTA 6?

Former Rockstar Games developer Mike York discussed the company's silence regarding GTA 6 on his YouTube channel. He described this silence as a strategic marketing tactic that builds anticipation and excitement among fans. "It's a really cool tactic, in a sense," York said, noting that withholding information encourages fans to speculate and engage with the community.

York also shared that the development team enjoyed watching fan theories unfold, such as the Mt. Chiliad mystery in GTA V. Although some mysteries remain unsolved, he assured that "All the developers over there are geeking out about it, trust me." This approach keeps the GTA community active and engaged, even with only one trailer released for GTA 6.