According to a new documentary, Grand Theft Auto 3 was almost an Xbox exclusive, but Microsoft rejected Rockstar Games’ approach. Although Xbox did OK without Grand Theft Auto 3 at launch, it would have had a significant impact on the industry. Since then, Rockstar has maintained a close working relationship with PlayStation, which has led to lucrative deals and first dibs on major announcements.
It’s no secret that GTA 3 had a significant impact on the gaming industry. Large-scale open-world videogames in 3D were suddenly possible, introducing a level of freedom never previously seen in a game. As a result of its influence, the Grand Theft Auto trilogy became one of the PlayStation 2’s defining titles. All three games in the trilogy were eventually released on the original Xbox, although months or even years after their initial release on the PlayStation 2. Vice City Stories, on the other hand, has never left the PlayStation environment.
But it wasn’t always this way. Rockstar pitched Microsoft Grand Theft Auto 3 as an original Xbox exclusive while the platform holder was looking for third-party developers to round out its lineup, according to a new documentary on the history of Xbox (via Ben Turpin). Microsoft rejected the idea because it did not believe Rockstar could transition the series from 2D to 3D and did not believe the prior releases had been profitable enough.
Microsoft notably corrected this error with Grand Theft Auto 4. During the company’s E3 2006 press conference, then-CEO Peter Moore disclosed Grand Theft Auto 4 would launch for Xbox 360 on day one via a tattoo on his arm. They also stated that the game’s two expansion packs would be exclusive to Xbox for a limited period. It was a significant decision at the time, and it helped cement the Xbox 360 as a key gaming platform.
Microsoft was recently able to obtain GTA: San Andreas on Xbox Game Pass on day one. GTA 3 was acquired by PlayStation for PlayStation Now only a month after its initial release. Rockstar has managed to establish a great relationship with both platform holders but appears to prefer PlayStation over Xbox. During PlayStation events, Rockstar has disclosed and showed a video of both of its Grand Theft Auto 5 remasters and has offered exclusive advantages for playing the game on Sony’s platforms. Rockstar was even planning an exclusive release for the PlayStation 3, but it never materialized.
