Developers recall early GTA development: from city simulator to crime sandbox

Summary

According to a retrospective article by GamesRadar, former members of DMA Design (now Rockstar North) discuss the development of the original Grand Theft Auto. The game initially started as a city simulator, but through multiple prototypes, it evolved into the top-down crime gameplay we know. Programmer Mike Dailly first built an isometric prototype on a 486 computer, but due to vehicle movement issues, the controls were entirely pedestrian-based, making the pacing too slow. He then tried a side-view approach and, inspired by a top-down racing concept, added ground and perspective effects, which gained management approval. The project was greenlit under the title "Race 'n' Chase," with a 1995 design document describing it as a multiplayer racing and collision game featuring three distinct cities, missions, pedestrians, carjacking, and police chases. The article reveals that GTA wasn't originally conceived as a crime sandbox but gradually evolved from a simulator, offering valuable insight into the design evolution of the series. It also highlights how developers navigated technical constraints in the 90s, making it a compelling read for players and industry enthusiasts.