Grand Theft Auto
Top-down transgression
DMA Design's Grand Theft Auto established open-world crime gameplay from a top-down perspective, creating a controversial franchise that would reshape the industry.
Overview
Before the 3D cityscapes, before the billion-dollar budgets, Grand Theft Auto was a top-down driving game from Dundee. DMA Design’s 1997 release let players roam three cities, stealing cars and completing criminal missions with unprecedented freedom. The media outrage was immediate; so were the sales. What began as an experiment in open-ended gameplay became one of gaming’s most valuable franchises.
Fast facts
- Developer: DMA Design (Dundee, Scotland).
- Original concept: Called “Race’n’Chase” during development.
- Controversy: Banned or restricted in multiple countries.
- Publisher: BMG Interactive.
Design innovation
| Element | Significance |
|---|---|
| Open world | Non-linear city exploration |
| Mission structure | Player-chosen progression |
| Wanted system | Escalating police response |
| Radio stations | Licensed music while driving |
Development history
The game evolved from a cops-and-robbers racing concept. A bug that made police cars ram players aggressively proved more fun than intended behaviour—the criminal fantasy emerged from this accident. DMA Design embraced the chaos, building missions around car theft, violence, and evading authorities.
Controversy and marketing
| Reaction | Effect |
|---|---|
| Media outrage | Free publicity |
| Calls for bans | Increased curiosity |
| Age ratings | Established mature gaming market |
| Political attention | Max Clifford PR controversy |
Series evolution
| Game | Year | Change |
|---|---|---|
| GTA | 1997 | Top-down foundation |
| GTA 2 | 1999 | Gang allegiance system |
| GTA III | 2001 | 3D open world revolution |
| Vice City | 2002 | 1980s setting, refined formula |
| San Andreas | 2004 | Massive scope expansion |
Legacy
DMA Design became Rockstar North in 2002. The franchise generated billions in revenue and influenced countless open-world games. The original’s top-down perspective returned in Chinatown Wars (2009), proving the formula transcended graphics.