GTA 5: Why Rockstar Loves Los Angeles

Thanks to the Grand Theft Auto series, Los Santos becomes a world that has become almost too real. It has become a virtually enhanced version of real-life Los Angeles. Rockstar Game itself has its headquarters cradled in Manhattan. New York has already become the inspiration for other Rockstar games, such as the Max Payne series and GTA 4’s Liberty City. The studio, however, has managed to form a strong relationship with Los Angeles.

Grand Theft Auto 5 is actually the fifth time within two generations that Rockstar has used Los Angeles, this time in the guise of Los Santos, as a game backdrop. Remember the recent L.A. Noire. Then, there was Midnight Club – Los Angeles. Staying within the GTA franchise, you can remember GTA – San Andreas. In 2003’s Midnight Club 2, Rockstar revisited Los Angeles giving enough landmarks and atmosphere to make it clear to players where they were. Somehow though, it was Rockstar’s version of Los Angeles – Los Santos – that made players really focus on the city’s atmosphere.

Los Santos is a stunning and vast world. It has proven how technology has come so far now. Now, the games are filling in the gaps that used to be our turn to fill with our own imaginations. The result is quite admirable.

Even Rockstar North’s first try at giving Los Santos life was already impressive. It showcases not just a place with landmarks but it showed the socio-economic spectrum. You get to see the Richman’s mansions and Ganton’s infamous Grove Street where the dilapidated houses are. The place is not just there. It managed to come alive. Because of this, Los Angeles has also become Rockstar Games’ home away from New York.