Grand Theft Auto III
3D crime sandbox
Grand Theft Auto III transformed the series into a 3D open world, creating the modern sandbox crime game and establishing Rockstar as industry leaders.
Overview
Grand Theft Auto III turned a controversial top-down series into an industry-defining 3D experience. Liberty City became a living, breathing criminal playground. Players could follow story missions or simply explore, steal cars, and cause chaos. The freedom was unprecedented, the controversy predictable, and the influence permanent.
Fast facts
- Developer: DMA Design (became Rockstar North).
- Publisher: Rockstar Games.
- Engine: RenderWare.
- Setting: Liberty City (New York inspired).
- Sales: 17+ million copies.
From 2D to 3D
Transformation from earlier games:
| GTA 1/2 | GTA III |
|---|---|
| Top-down view | Third-person 3D |
| Sprite characters | Polygon models |
| Abstract cities | Detailed environments |
| Score-focused | Story-driven |
Gameplay systems
| System | Function |
|---|---|
| Vehicles | Cars, boats, tanks stealable |
| Weapons | Expanding arsenal |
| Missions | Story and side activities |
| Wanted level | Police escalation |
| Radio stations | Licensed music, talk shows |
Liberty City
Three interconnected islands:
- Portland: Industrial, Mafia territory.
- Staunton Island: Commercial centre.
- Shoreside Vale: Suburban, airport.
Islands unlocked through story progression.
Narrative approach
Silent protagonist (Claude):
- Voice acting for all other characters.
- Cutscenes drive story.
- Betrayal and revenge arc.
- Mob, cartel, Yakuza factions.
Open world innovation
What GTA III established:
- Persistent, explorable city.
- Freedom between missions.
- Emergent gameplay opportunities.
- Living world simulation.
- Side activities (hidden packages, rampages).
Technical achievement
On PlayStation 2:
- Streaming world (minimal loading).
- Day/night cycle.
- Weather systems.
- Pedestrian and traffic AI.
- Draw distance limitations.
Controversy
Predictable outrage:
- Violence against civilians.
- Ability to interact with sex workers.
- Gang themes.
- Australia banned initially.
- US political scrutiny.
Commercial impact
Sales and influence:
- Fastest-selling game at release.
- Established PlayStation 2 dominance.
- Created template for competitors.
- Launched Rockstar to industry leader status.
Sequel quality
Followed by:
- Vice City (2002): 1980s Miami.
- San Andreas (2004): Expanded scope.
- GTA IV (2008): Next generation.
- GTA V (2013): Three protagonists.
Industry influence
Games following GTA III template:
- Saints Row series.
- Sleeping Dogs.
- Watch Dogs.
- Countless open-world games.
Legacy
GTA III proved games could offer film-like narrative within player-driven freedom. The sandbox crime genre it created remains one of gaming’s most popular and profitable.