The Origins of Grand Theft Auto: GTA 1 & GTA 2 Pioneering the Open-World Revolution

Before the neon-lit streets of Vice City and the sprawling open-world environments of modern GTA games, there was the humble beginning of Grand Theft Auto in the late 90s.

Developed by DMA Design (now known as Rockstar North), the first two games in the series laid the foundation for what would become one of the most influential franchises in gaming history.

Grand Theft Auto 1 (1997):

The first Grand Theft Auto was released in 1997, introducing players to a top-down, 2D perspective that offered a simple yet groundbreaking concept: you’re a criminal in a bustling city, free to commit chaos, hijack cars, and complete various missions.

Set across three fictional cities—Liberty City, San Andreas, and Vice City—GTA 1 was revolutionary for its open-world nature, allowing players to explore and cause havoc at their own pace. Though limited by the technology of its time, the game made a bold statement with its unique blend of crime, exploration, and action.

Grand Theft Auto 2 (1999):

Released two years later, Grand Theft Auto 2 improved on the formula by refining the gameplay mechanics and introducing new elements.

Set in the fictional city of Anywhere City, GTA 2 still maintained the top-down view but enhanced the action with more fluid controls, new weapons, and an expanded range of activities.

A key feature was the inclusion of rival factions, where players could work for different gangs, each with its own objectives and rewards. Although it retained the basic concept of GTA 1, GTA 2 added depth to the gameplay and gave players more freedom and choices, paving the way for the 3D revolution that would come next.

The Bridge to Vice City:

Although the first two titles were largely viewed as cult classics rather than mainstream hits, they set the stage for the monumental success of Grand Theft Auto III (2001), which took the franchise into the 3D realm.

In the years leading up to Vice City (2002), the series had already begun to evolve, and the groundwork for a larger, more dynamic world was being laid.

The introduction of more detailed environments, the narrative elements, and the focus on criminal escapism would continue to be key features of the series, culminating in the groundbreaking GTA III.

Even before the iconic Vice City and San Andreas arrived, GTA 1 and GTA 2 had already cemented the franchise’s reputation for pushing boundaries in open-world gaming.