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● LIVE Updated 1d ago · 28 sources tracked

Rockstar Vet Dan Houser on GTA 6, New Games, Absurd Ventures

Former Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser is deliberately avoiding the gameplay and extended trailers for Grand Theft Auto VI to shield his creative process from outside influence. Houser departed Rockstar in 2020 and officially launched Absurd Ventures in 2023, where he is currently developing two distinct titles. One project is an open-world comedy focused on character memory, while the other is a dystopian sci-fi title centered on a rogue artificial intelligence. Houser stated that he has not watched the major GTA 6 reveals and rarely plays open-world games anymore.

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  • ✓ Dan Houser left Rockstar Games in 2020 and launched Absurd Ventures in 2023.
  • ✓ Grand Theft Auto VI is currently scheduled to ship on November 19th, 2026.
  • ✓ Absurd Ventures is developing an open-world comedy focused on comedy and character memory.
  • ✓ Absurd Ventures is developing a dystopian sci-fi game about a rogue AI that discovered sentience.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 28 independent reporting domains (100% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Dan Houser revealed the first specific details about his two new projects at Absurd Ventures during an interview with Variety's Strictly Business podcast.

Live updates

  1. Dan Houser Avoids GTA 6 to Protect New Absurd Ventures Games

    Former Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser is deliberately avoiding the gameplay and extended trailers for Grand Theft Auto VI to shield his creative process from outside influence. Houser departed Rockstar in 2020 and officially launched Absurd Ventures in 2023, where he is currently developing two distinct titles. One project is an open-world comedy focused on character memory, while the other is a dystopian sci-fi title centered on a rogue artificial intelligence. Houser stated that he has not watched the major GTA 6 reveals and rarely plays open-world games anymore.

    Why it matters

    Houser spent decades shaping industry giants like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption before exiting Rockstar Games. His new studio represents his return to active development outside of the corporate machinery that defined his early career. By isolating himself from contemporary open-world blockbusters, Houser aims to prevent external design choices from bleeding into his independent projects. Meanwhile, Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to ship on November 19th, 2026, following two prior release date delays.

    What is confirmed

    • Dan Houser left Rockstar Games in 2020 and launched Absurd Ventures in 2023.
    • Grand Theft Auto VI is currently scheduled to ship on November 19th, 2026.
    • Absurd Ventures is developing an open-world comedy focused on comedy and character memory.
    • Absurd Ventures is developing a dystopian sci-fi game about a rogue AI that discovered sentience.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Some online users speculate that Grand Theft Auto VI could be the first $100 game, with Rockstar appearing to confirm this in a purported email to a customer.

    What to watch next

    • Further announcements and details on Absurd Ventures' open-world comedy expected in the coming months.
    • The scheduled release of Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19th, 2026.
    Sources used for this update (29)
    1. kotaku.com — GTA 6 - Kotaku
    2. www.theverge.com — GTA 6: all the news on Rockstar's next entry in the Grand Theft Auto ...
    3. www.nbcnews.com — Massachusetts House District 6 Primary Results 2026
    4. www.polygon.com — GTA creator has avoided GTA 6 while making new open-world games
    5. Variety — Rockstar Vet Dan Houser on GTA 6, New Games, Absurd Ventures
    6. Kotaku — Rockstar Co-Founder Dan Houser Says He Still Hasn't Watched The Big GTA 6 Netflix Reveal
    7. Yahoo — Former GTA lead says "there's no greater compliment" than being compared to his Rockstar classics
    8. virus.hr — Absurde Ventures has revealed two new games.
    9. PlayFront — Dan Houser will soon unveil open-world comedy and dystopian sci-fi film
    10. www.dexerto.com — Rockstar co-founder explains why he’s trying to avoid ...
    11. variety.com — Rockstar Vet Dan Houser on GTA 6, New Games, Absurd Ventures
    12. www.leonidacompanion.com — Rockstar Vet Dan Houser on GTA 6, New Games, Absurd Ventures
    confidence 100%
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