GTA V To Be Set In LA, Multiple Playable Characters (RUMOUR)

[TranceVance]

Grand Theft Auto V Will Be Set in Los Angeles, May Star Multiple Characters

Strengthening long-standing rumors for years that the next Grand Theft Auto would be set in Los Angeles or a fictional version thereof, a source familiar with the game told Kotaku today that those rumors are true. GTA V will be set in some version of L.A., bringing the famous franchise to a place that last got the GTA treatment in the series' top-selling Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

We're also hearing from multiple sources that the game will feature more than just one playable character. That would seem to be a natural evolution for the series. Following the release of the PlayStation 2's Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto Vice City, PSP games set in the same cities as those console games let players control a single new character apiece. Those portable games helped establish the idea that there's more than one life worth living in a Rockstar-made GTA city.

Then, following the release of Grand Theft Auto IV the series' creators at Rockstar Games allowed gamers to play as a second and then a third character in the exact same high-definition version of Liberty City. Those who bought the base game and the two downloadable episodes could choose from the GTA IV's menu whether to play as Niko Bellic, Johnny Klebitz or Luis Lopez. Each had their own lengthy, interesting and distinct playable story. A GTA V that features more than one playable hero would extend this concept further.

Back when GTA IV was being shown to press, Rockstar representatives would stress the importance of the number in the title. As successful as Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas were, they noted, it was the game that preceded them, GTA III that was a paradigm shift. They hoped and believed that GTA IV, by being a numbered game would have and merit some outsized influence of its own. If that is still the company's philosophy, then after Grand Theft Auto IV's un-numbered episodes, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony, a numbered GTA V should again merit special attention. Shifting cities was not sufficient cause for a new numbered GTA before. A change to the series' formula, however, one that gives players more than one controllable character, would.

Rockstar has had a lot of experience with L.A., working with Team Bondi to create a mid-20th-century version of it for this year's L.A. Noire, presenting a drive-able version in Midnight Club and, most famously of all, turning it into the amazing Los Santos as one of three featured cities in GTA: San Andreas.

Rockstar Games did not respond to requests for comment about GTA V today. Should we hear them, we'll update this piece. Otherwise, look for the official trailer for the new game on November 2.

I know this has been a long time rumour, but the author seems very keen on his sources. Being able to play as multiple characters is also interesting, I just hope that it doesn't take away from the overall experience. I guess we will just have to wait till November 2nd for the official reveal .

Also, to save time, they may as well use the core environment from L.A. Noire and update it toa modern style. LA looked very realistic and the map was huge, yet that game barely even used it to it's advantage.

[ille1234]

Wow, if this game is at least somewhat similar to San Andreas i'm going to jump around with joy. God i loved that game...

[NMD1]

Agreed I think that's what almost everyone wants is a San Andreas remake they should do it lol update the hell out of it and release it lol.

But I think LA will be an awesome place for the game to be set hopefully a lot of high priced cars driving around ready to be jacked haha

[TranceVance]

Agreed I think that's what almost everyone wants is a San Andreas remake they should do it lol update the hell out of it and release it lol.

But I think LA will be an awesome place for the game to be set hopefully a lot of high priced cars driving around ready to be jacked haha

Agreed, chill up in Beverly Hills and rob some nice Infernus', Comet's etc. (That's if they use the same car names which I think they will). Also, if it's more realistic and has a lot more in common with LA, we might see some famous places like the Playboy Mansion (THAT would be ).

[NMD1]

Agreed, chill up in Beverly Hills and rob some nice Infernus', Comet's etc. (That's if they use the same car names which I think they will). Also, if it's more realistic and has a lot more in common with LA, we might see some famous places like the Playboy Mansion (THAT would be ).

Oh yer forgot about the mansion oh how that would be sweet haha good times to be had.

[ScreechingOwl]

I hope the game isn't in L.A. America has been done, move to a different city on a different continent. If it isn't in America, I'll guess South America, maybe South Africa.

[Dreakon139]

I hope the game isn't in L.A. America has been done, move to a different city on a different continent. If it isn't in America, I'll guess South America, maybe South Africa.

I think with the more realistic direction that GTA IV took, they could portray a city like London really well. And it wouldn't be the first time the series touched foreign soil. While another San Andreas would be cool, I'm inclined to agree that a different city on a different continent would be pretty interesting as well.

Though on the other hand, this series has thrived on games with many different people and different races to drive it's stories and to create it's own situations and humor. I don't think many cities can compete with the diversity of New York City, or even L.A. for that matter.

[TranceVance]

I think with the more realistic direction that GTA IV took, they could portray a city like London really well. And it wouldn't be the first time the series touched foreign soil. While another San Andreas would be cool, I'm inclined to agree that a different city on a different continent would be pretty interesting as well.

Though on the other hand, this series has thrived on games with many different people and different races to drive it's stories and to create it's own situations and humor. I don't think many cities can compete with the diversity of New York City, or even L.A. for that matter.

I don't understand why people want a GTA set in London, it would just be about drug dealers. And do not get me started on the Police :

1 Star Wanted Level = CSO (Community Support Officer)

2 Star Wanted Level = Police

3 Star Wanted Level = Police w/Batons

4 Star Wanted Level = Finally call in people with weapons

5 Star Wanted Level = Special Armed Unit

I can see the failure already...

[Spark-N]

i don't like the idea of multiple characters in a game like this, i think focusing on one character makes the story more interesting

plus they better bring back the silenced pistol (I liked the stealth mission in San Andreas), because i hated that everytime i killed a Flying Rat in #4 there would be cops about, silenced weapons FTW

[TranceVance]

plus they better bring back the silenced pistol (I liked the stealth mission in San Andreas), because i hated that everytime i killed a Flying Rat in #4 there would be cops about, silenced weapons FTW

I agree, I also want more stealth overall. I missed missions like raiding Madd Dogg's Mansion, blowing the Hoover Dam, robbing the casino etc. in GTA IV.

[Spark-N]

You know what else NEEDS to be in GTAV is Lazlow Jones damnit

[Dreakon139]

You know what else NEEDS to be in GTAV is Lazlow Jones damnit

He's been in every GTA (from III on)... right?