Rockstar Games: An Unexplored Chapter in Creativity
In a recent revelation, former technical director Obbe Vermeij shared some fascinating insights into Rockstar Games’ development process. Unbeknownst to many, the renowned studio once embarked on two ambitious projects that never saw the light of day. These cancelled endeavors shed light on Rockstar’s creative explorations outside of the acclaimed Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series.
One of these intriguing concepts was a zombie survival game set on a misty Scottish island, aptly codenamed „Z”. After the success of GTA: Vice City, Rockstar North felt the urge to venture into new territories. The artists on the team were particularly enthusiastic about the idea of creating a game centered around the undead, while programmers were drawn to the fantasy genre. Ultimately, Rockstar decided to pursue the zombie game, utilizing GTA: Vice City’s code as a foundation.
The game’s plot would have unfolded on the eerie Scottish island, where players would have constantly faced relentless zombie attacks. Survival would entail utilizing vehicles for escape and resource gathering, with fuel acquisition playing a pivotal role. Sadly, the project lost momentum due to its overall gloomy atmosphere, prompting Rockstar to shift its focus towards the development of GTA: San Andreas.
Although the zombie survival game never materialized, Rockstar Games did not completely abandon the idea of zombies. The highly popular Undead Nightmare DLC for Red Dead Redemption brought the undead to life in a captivating manner. Additionally, Red Dead Online features a zombie survival mode, albeit not as the direct sequel fans had eagerly anticipated.
Another intriguing project that came to a halt was a James Bond-inspired adventure, internally referred to as „Jimmy”. Originally initiated by Rockstar San Diego, this game caught the attention of Leslie Benzies, the head of Rockstar North. After creating an enticing demo set within the world of San Andreas, Benzies’ team began developing their own rendition of the game. Jimmy was intended to be a linear experience, transporting players to various 70s locations, including a French Mediterranean city, a Swiss ski resort, Cairo, and even an epic laser shootout in space. However, Rockstar’s priorities shifted back to the production of the next GTA game, resulting in the ambitious Jimmy project being abandoned.
These revelations offer a unique glimpse into Rockstar Games’ abandoned ventures, showcasing the studio’s bold willingness to explore new genres and settings outside of the GTA franchise. While these concepts may have never come to fruition, they embody Rockstar’s unwavering commitment to innovation and creative exploration.
For more information about Rockstar Games and their latest endeavors, visit the official Rockstar Games Newswire.