Sony Europe's former CEO, Chris Deering, disclosed a strategic move that significantly bolstered the PlayStation 2's (PS2) market dominance. The decision to secure exclusive rights for Rockstar Games' Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series on the PS2 was a direct response to the impending launch of Microsoft's Xbox console.
Sony's Exclusive Deals for PS2
In an insightful interview with GamesIndustry.biz during EGX in London last October, Deering explained that Sony approached several third-party developers and publishers to sign exclusive deals for the PS2. This strategy was fueled by concerns over Microsoft's potential to offer similar deals to enhance the Xbox's game library. Take-Two, Rockstar Games' parent company, agreed to this arrangement, leading to the release of GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas exclusively on the PS2 for a two-year period.
Deering admitted to initial uncertainties about the potential success of GTA 3, given its predecessors' top-down perspective. However, the gamble paid off handsomely, contributing to the PS2 becoming the best-selling video game console of all time. "It was very lucky for us. And actually lucky for them, because they got a discount on the royalty they paid," Deering noted, emphasizing that such exclusivity deals are not uncommon in platform industries.
Rockstar Games’ Transition to 3D
GTA 3 marked a pivotal shift for the franchise by introducing a 3D environment, moving away from the top-down view of its predecessors. This transformation allowed for a richer, more immersive open-world experience in Liberty City, complete with side quests and engaging activities. In a November 2021 interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Rockstar co-founder Jaime King shared that the team was waiting for the right technology to transition to 3D, aiming to enhance the storytelling and player immersion.
The PS2 provided the necessary platform for Rockstar to realize their vision, and the subsequent GTA releases continued to build on this foundation, introducing new narratives, gameplay mechanics, and graphical improvements. Despite the PS2's technical limitations, the three GTA titles released for the console were among its top-selling games.
The Mystery of GTA 6
Looking forward, the anticipation surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) continues to grow. Former Rockstar developer Mike York shared insights on his YouTube channel on December 5, suggesting that Rockstar's silence about GTA 6 is a deliberate marketing strategy. York believes that withholding information fuels speculation and excitement among fans, creating organic hype without the need for active promotion.
York also reminisced about the enjoyment within the development team as they watched fans theorize about game trailers, citing the Mt. Chiliad mystery from GTA V as a notable example. Although only one trailer for GTA 6 has been released so far, the ongoing speculation keeps the GTA community vibrant and engaged, with developers delighting in the fans' creative theories.
