In 2021, every console manufacturer would do everything to maintain the exclusivity of a new Grand Theft Auto. And they’re selling crazy sums of money to Rockstar Games for the right to offer episodes of the series on their on-demand gaming services. However, with the approaching release of the first episode of GTA in 3D, the playful and commercial values of the series were not yet proven. This prompted Microsoft to play the card of caution.
Xbox just announced that it had declined GTA 3 exclusivity when Rockstar Games offered it. Microsoft just told this embarrassing posteriori anecdote in its Xbox history documentary series. Representatives of the American giant say that with the approach of the release of the first Xbox studios, they toured around the world to seduce developers and publishers.
Kevin Bachus, who was in charge of third party relations at the time, explains that he was approached by a small structure in 2001. The latter wanted “dust off“one of its 2D licenses that were released on the PC. The idea was to turn the original format into a 3D game. And it offered Microsoft to have this game exclusively for a fee.
The Xbox executives at the time who were presented the project, however, weren’t thrilled. According to the documentation, the latter were actually not convinced of the success of the transition from 2D to 3D. And yet, according to Kevin Bachus, the Xbox bosses found the concept “complicated“and did not understand the user interface. The offer was therefore rejected.
When Xbox doubted the potential of a 3D GTA
Unfortunately for Xbox, that game was GTA 3. As the documentary recalls, the original version of Grand Theft Auto III eventually sold 14.5 million copies. This is more commonly referred to as a failed act.
Seamus Blackley, the “father of the Xbox”, responded to the spread of this anecdote on his Twitter account. He, in turn, reveals that he was one of those who rejected GTA 3. And he also brings a few more details about the story:
Sam (Houser) from Rockstar came over and introduced us to the game. He was very excited about a game, a surefire hit. And even less about someone else he saved in the end. He spent the last five minutes with GTA 3. And what exciting new game did he want to sell? Austin Powers. True story.
I will not lie. I was skeptical about the 3D transformation of GTA, a 2D game. And I was wrong Just like everyone else in this room. It shows what an expert we were all back then.
The privilege of looking back
For the record, Rockstar Games actually released two Austin Powers games. However, these were only published on Game Boy Color. Hence, it is difficult to say which title Seamus Blackley is referring to here. Perhaps it is the Austin Powers game that was originally developed on Dreamcast. And that never came out in the end.
GTA 3, as well as the other two episodes in the “Trilogy”, were eventually released on Xbox. That arrival came some time after they were marketed on PS2. Finally, of course, the question arises what would have changed if the revolutionary Grand Theft Auto III had originally been released exclusively for Xbox. But if we don’t find a way to visit parallel universes soon, we will never know.
Are you surprised that Rockstar Xbox offered to have GTA 3 exclusive? And are you surprised that Microsoft turned down this proposal? What do you think things would have changed if GTA III had originally been Xbox exclusive? Tell us all about it in the comments below.
