Dan Houser, the former head writer and co-founder of Rockstar Games, said in an interview with The Ankler that making a Grand Theft Auto (GTA) movie never made financial sense. Although there were many talks about turning Rockstar’s popular games like GTA and Red Dead Redemption into movies, Houser and his team always hesitated.
They were worried about losing creative control and taking on big financial risks. Film executives suggested making movies, but this usually meant Rockstar would lose control and face major financial risks, which they didn’t want to do.
Houser highlighted that during his tenure at Rockstar, the perception was that video games generally resulted in poor-quality movies. However, he believes that times have changed, which is one of the reasons behind the establishment of his new company, Absurd Ventures.
Absurd Ventures, which also includes former Rockstar leaders Lazlow Jones and Mike Unsworth, aims to create new intellectual properties (IP) that can potentially transform into major franchises through more affordable mediums like audiobooks and graphic novels.
The first project from Absurd Ventures is a 12-part audio series called “A Better Paradise,” featuring actors such as Andrew Lincoln and Paterson Joseph. Their second project, “American Caper,” will start as a crime and political graphic novel.
There is also a third, lighter and more comedic project in the works, though details are still sparse. Houser emphasized that these projects are created with integrity and the primary goal is to produce high-quality content, not just as a means of marketing.
Houser envisions some of these new IPs eventually leading to video game projects that can bridge the gap between interactive and linear entertainment. He believes that the future of entertainment lies in the merging and cross-pollination of gaming and traditional media. The aim is for Absurd Ventures’ business model to collaborate effectively with traditional entertainment models, blending the strengths of both.
Houser’s new venture, Absurd Ventures, seeks to explore and develop new IPs across various formats with the ultimate goal of creating high-quality, engaging content.
While he acknowledges the evolving landscape of entertainment, he is cautious about maintaining creative control and ensuring the economic viability of these projects. The broader vision is to explore the intersections between gaming and traditional media, potentially leading to innovative entertainment experiences.
