The Genesis of Grand Theft Auto: What Was It Called Before?
The iconic Grand Theft Auto series, known for its open-world gameplay, satirical storylines, and often controversial content, wasn’t always called what it is today. Before it became the gaming behemoth we know and love, the initial concept was known as Race’n’Chase. This title, though seemingly straightforward, offers a fascinating glimpse into the original vision for the game, a vision that eventually morphed into the groundbreaking series we have today. The shift from Race’n’Chase to Grand Theft Auto is a critical part of understanding the evolution of this gaming franchise.
The Initial Vision: Race’n’Chase
The development of the game that would become Grand Theft Auto began on April 4, 1995, at DMA Design in Dundee, Scotland. The initial idea was relatively simple: a racing game with a twist. This twist was the ability to play as both the racers and the police, adding a unique layer of dynamism to the gameplay. It was this duality and the concept of high-speed pursuits that led to the working title, Race’n’Chase. The game was intended to focus on the thrill of the chase, whether as the pursuer or the pursued.
This early iteration, however, was far from the open-world sandbox experience that Grand Theft Auto is now synonymous with. The early prototypes were essentially a top-down view of car chases and crashes with limited scope for player freedom. Race’n’Chase focused on basic racing elements and law enforcement scenarios, a world away from the complex narratives and expansive worlds that we would see later on in the franchise. This early version saw many difficulties throughout it’s four year development, including numerous attempts to halt development and title changes.
The Transformation into Grand Theft Auto
The shift from Race’n’Chase to Grand Theft Auto wasn’t just a simple name change; it was a reflection of the evolving nature of the game itself. As development progressed, the team at DMA Design realized the potential for a much richer gaming experience. The core mechanic of carjacking, the stealing of vehicles, became a central focus. This led to the adoption of the term “Grand Theft Auto“, a legal term for the act of stealing vehicles, particularly those of higher value. The new title reflected this shift in focus, highlighting the game’s core gameplay loop.
The new title also perfectly encapsulated the game’s central theme – the thrill of the criminal underworld. Rather than just racing, the game began to develop an emphasis on criminal behaviour, car theft, and the chaotic nature of an open world. The change in focus from racing to the more criminal element was significant. It indicated a desire to delve deeper into a darker and more controversial subject matter, which ultimately became one of the defining characteristics of the series.
Why Grand Theft Auto?
The title “Grand Theft Auto” was chosen because of the game’s central mechanic: carjacking. It was a direct reference to the real-world legal term, giving the game a provocative edge and immediately informing players about the main actions they would be undertaking. The game developers, now under the Rockstar Games banner, realized that the core of their gameplay, stealing cars and other vehicles, was inherently a criminal act, and this terminology fitted the game perfectly.
The choice of the title “Grand Theft Auto” was not just functional, it was a conscious decision to embrace the game’s potential to be controversial and edgy. It was a bold move, signalling a departure from traditional gaming norms and reflecting the game’s willingness to explore darker themes and the more chaotic side of life. It set the stage for the series’ success and reputation for pushing boundaries and its themes, and content.
The Legacy of Race’n’Chase
Though the name Race’n’Chase is now relegated to gaming history as a footnote, it represents an important stage in the development of one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. It reminds us that even the most iconic games have humble beginnings and that the creative process often involves significant evolution. The fact that the first game and era became known as GTA 1 simply shows how far the series has come.
The transformation from the simple premise of Race’n’Chase to the complex, open-world gameplay of Grand Theft Auto is a testament to the creative vision of the development teams involved. It highlights that innovation and willingness to adapt are key to the creation of enduring gaming experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to the early development and naming of Grand Theft Auto, providing additional insights into the game’s history:
What was the original name of GTA?
The original name for Grand Theft Auto during its early development was Race’n’Chase. This reflects the game’s initial focus on racing and police chases.
When did the development of Grand Theft Auto begin?
The development of the game that would become Grand Theft Auto began on April 4, 1995 at DMA Design in Dundee, Scotland.
Why was the name changed from Race’n’Chase to Grand Theft Auto?
The name was changed to Grand Theft Auto to better reflect the game’s shift in focus towards carjacking and criminal activities.
What does Grand Theft Auto mean legally?
Grand theft auto is the legal term for the intentional taking of another’s car without the owner’s consent and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the car.
Was the first GTA game successful?
Yes, the first Grand Theft Auto game was very successful, setting the foundation for the vast franchise that it has become today.
When was the first Grand Theft Auto released?
The first Grand Theft Auto game was released in 1997.
Which city was the first GTA game based in?
The first Grand Theft Auto had a map encompassing three cities: Liberty City (based on New York City), San Andreas (based on San Francisco), and Vice City (based on Miami).
What is the best-selling video game of all time?
The best-selling video game to date is Minecraft, with over 300 million copies sold. Grand Theft Auto V is among the top sellers, with over 100 million copies sold.
Is Grand Theft Auto an 18-rated game?
Yes, Grand Theft Auto games are usually rated R18+ due to their violent, mature, and often controversial content.
What was Grand Theft Auto III called?
Grand Theft Auto III is also known as GTA III or GTA 3.
Why is GTA 6 taking so long to be developed?
The development of GTA 6 is taking a long time due to the desire to create a high-quality, innovative, and expansive game. The new game engine and the complexities of the satire and story all add to the development time.
How much will GTA 6 cost?
GTA 6 is expected to have a starting price of at least $69.99, although there is possibility for deluxe and collector editions to be announced at a higher cost.
How long has GTA 5 been out?
Grand Theft Auto V was first released 10 years ago, in 2013.
Is grand theft auto a felony?
Grand theft auto can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and the state.
Why does GTA not use real names for vehicles?
GTA does not use real vehicle names due to property rights. The developers would have to either pay sponsorship fees or have the company that owns the vehicle name pay them to use it in the game.