Summary
A recent job listing fromRockstar Gamesco-founder Dan Houser’s new studio, Absurd Ventures, seemingly confirms development is underway on a AAA open-world game. Houser began Absurd Ventures back in 2023, with many speculating over what his first independent game would look like after leavingRockstar Games. As it turns out, it may not be very different compared to his past work.
In 2020, Dan Houser parted ways with Rockstar Games, the studio he co-founded and where he played a pivotal role in creating iconic open-world titles likeGrand Theft AutoandRed Dead Redemption. While many worried abouthow Houser’s departure could impactGTA 6and future Rockstar titles, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for the renowned creator. He established Absurd Ventures alongside several other former Rockstar veterans, including popular figures like Lazlow Jones, Michael Unsworth, and Adam Tedman, bringing with them a wealth of experience in open-world game design.
It appears those talents will come in handy, as a Lead Gameplay Designerjob listing on Absurd Ventures' websitereveals that the studio is developing an open-world action-adventure title. It’s also understood that this will be a AAA project, as per an olderLinkedIn post from Michael Unsworth, Absurd Ventures' Head of Story and Creative Management. The qualifications for the role hint at melee and shooting mechanics being a part of the game, as well as"non-combat forms of action gameplay,“which are specified as driving, climbing, mounts, platforming, etc. These requirements could allude to a modern setting forAbsurd Ventures' game.
Absurd Ventures' AAA Game Could Feature Multiplayer
Mentions of multiplayer combat design and “multiple game modes” can also be found in the listing, seemingly implying that the studio may be considering an online component for its debut game. Interestingly,Absurd Ventures released its first two projects, a graphic novel titledAmerican Caperand a 12-part audio drama series calledA Better Paradise, as part of a crossmedia storytelling approach. However, the job listing makes no mention of any connection to those projects, which is odd considering they were meant to introduce two separate universes which the studio’s future projects would explore.
Houser has worked on some of the best gamesin the industry, and while his latest venture may not be a complete breakaway from the types of games he’s known for, it shows that he and the team are sticking to their strengths. It’s currently unknown whether the project is being funded by a publisher, but with the talent and experience on offer, Absurd Ventures would most likely not have any issues procuring funding, if required. As unbelievable as it may sound,GTA 6could have some stiff competition in the future.
