Former GTA and RDR screenwriter revealed what makes Rockstar games special

Rockstar Games co-founder and screenwriter for GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2, Dan Houser, shared what he believes is the main advantage of open-world games. In his opinion, GTA's success is not built on the plot, but on freedom of action and the ability to create one's own stories.

During his speech at the Tribeca Festival, Houser was asked if there was a “wrong” way to play GTA. He replied that it doesn't matter whether the player completes the main storyline. The main thing is to enjoy the game.

Houser admitted that as a screenwriter, he would like players to get acquainted with the stories the team worked on for years. But he considers exploring the world, side activities, and experimenting with game mechanics no less valuable. That's why, since GTA III, Rockstar has been creating games that encourage freedom of action.

The former head of Rockstar stated:

According to him, it is the ability to act spontaneously that makes players return to GTA and RDR years after their release. The real magic appears when the player himself begins to test the boundaries of the game world. Houser believes that this freedom has been Rockstar's main secret to success for over 20 years.