Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar and lead writer on Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, has been reflecting on the similarities between Victorian novels and modern open-world games. He argues that both share a similar goal: to create an immersive experience that feels like "virtual reality." For Houser, this is about creating a sense of presence in the game world, much like Dickens did with his descriptive writing.
Houser points out that Grand Theft Auto games are structured similarly to Victorian novels, with a sprawling narrative that unfolds over time. He also notes that these stories often have a realist tone and physicality, drawing on the literary traditions of authors like Thackeray and Zola.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prime example of this approach, with Houser himself listening to the audiobook of Middlemarch while working on the game's dialogue. He wanted to capture the feeling of being in a 19th-century world, complete with its own unique tone and style.
Houser sees his work as a way of redefining what open-world games can do in terms of storytelling. By drawing on literary traditions, he aims to create experiences that feel more immersive and engaging.
This approach is not without controversy, however. Some critics have argued that Rockstar's games often prioritize realism over nuance, with characters feeling less like real people than archetypes. Houser acknowledges this criticism, but argues that his goal is to create a sense of depth and complexity in the game world, rather than simply mimicking reality.
Ultimately, Houser believes that there are similarities between Victorian literature and modern open-world games that can be leveraged to create something new and exciting. By drawing on these literary traditions, he hopes to push the boundaries of what is possible in gaming and create experiences that feel truly immersive and engaging.
As a journalist, I was struck by the parallels between Houser's approach and the way that authors like Dickens and Thackeray used their writing to explore complex social issues. By taking a similar approach with his games, Houser is able to create experiences that not only entertain but also provoke thought and reflection.
It will be interesting to see how Houser's new ventures, including Absurd Ventures and A Better Paradise, redefine the notion of open-world games for the 21st century. As someone who has been following his work with interest, I am excited to see where this journey takes him next.
Houser points out that Grand Theft Auto games are structured similarly to Victorian novels, with a sprawling narrative that unfolds over time. He also notes that these stories often have a realist tone and physicality, drawing on the literary traditions of authors like Thackeray and Zola.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prime example of this approach, with Houser himself listening to the audiobook of Middlemarch while working on the game's dialogue. He wanted to capture the feeling of being in a 19th-century world, complete with its own unique tone and style.
Houser sees his work as a way of redefining what open-world games can do in terms of storytelling. By drawing on literary traditions, he aims to create experiences that feel more immersive and engaging.
This approach is not without controversy, however. Some critics have argued that Rockstar's games often prioritize realism over nuance, with characters feeling less like real people than archetypes. Houser acknowledges this criticism, but argues that his goal is to create a sense of depth and complexity in the game world, rather than simply mimicking reality.
Ultimately, Houser believes that there are similarities between Victorian literature and modern open-world games that can be leveraged to create something new and exciting. By drawing on these literary traditions, he hopes to push the boundaries of what is possible in gaming and create experiences that feel truly immersive and engaging.
As a journalist, I was struck by the parallels between Houser's approach and the way that authors like Dickens and Thackeray used their writing to explore complex social issues. By taking a similar approach with his games, Houser is able to create experiences that not only entertain but also provoke thought and reflection.
It will be interesting to see how Houser's new ventures, including Absurd Ventures and A Better Paradise, redefine the notion of open-world games for the 21st century. As someone who has been following his work with interest, I am excited to see where this journey takes him next.
The way Dan Houser is looking at Rockstar's games as a form of immersive storytelling reminds me of when we were all still playing those old-school adventure games on PC 
. It was like you're living in the game, and you couldn't just put it down. I love how he draws inspiration from Victorian novels - it shows that he's not just about mindless violence and chaos 
. It's actually making me think about what games could be doing more to draw players into their worlds and make them care about the characters 
. Red Dead Redemption 2 is still one of my fave games, and I can see how Middlemarch would've been a huge influence on its writing style 
. Can't wait to see what Houser does next with his new ventures!
HE'S GOT A POINT ABOUT CREATING AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE THAT FEELS LIKE "VIRTUAL REALITY" - IT'S ALL ABOUT GETTING YOU INTO THE GAME WORLD AND MAKING YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE REALLY THERE! 
Interesting that Dan Houser is drawing inspiration from Victorian novels when it comes to creating immersive experiences in games like Red Dead Redemption 2. I mean, who wouldn't want to feel like they're actually living in the Wild West? 
The fact that he was listening to an audiobook of Middlemarch while working on the dialogue is just genius. It's no wonder his games are so realistic and engaging... but what do you think about the criticism that Rockstar prioritizes realism over nuance?
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HE'S GOT A POINT ABOUT CREATING AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE THAT FEELS LIKE "VIRTUAL REALITY" - I MEAN, WHO DOESN'T LOVE GETTING LOST IN A WELL-WRITTEN STORY OR GAME?!? 
AND THE WAY HE'S DRAWING ON LITERARY TRADITIONS LIKE DICKEYS AND THACKERY IS GENIUS!!! IT'S ALL ABOUT CREATING A SENSE OF PRESENCE IN THE GAME WORLD, JUST LIKE THEY DID WITH THEIR WRITING. I'M EXCITED TO SEE HOW THIS WILL PLAY OUT WITH HIS NEW VENTURES AND IF HE'LL BE ABLE TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF WHAT GAMES CAN DO! 
! I mean, think about it - Victorian novels are all about creating an immersive experience for the reader, and now we're talking about doing the same thing in open-world games? It's genius! The way he draws parallels between the two is spot on. I love how Red Dead Redemption 2 brought that same level of realism and tone to the gaming world. And yeah, some people might say it's too realistic, but that's what makes it so engaging for me - it feels like a whole different world 
. Can't wait to see where Houser takes this next!
just learned that Dan Houser is trying to make open world games more like those old Victorian novels 
sounds like a good idea but also kinda creepy? 
and yeah I can see how that could be immersive... for some people, maybe 
what about those who get bored with the same old storylines? 
