Dan Houser, the famed co-founder of Rockstar Games, made a notable departure from the company in early 2020 after an illustrious twenty-two-year career. The following year, he embarked on a new venture by founding Absurd Ventures. This innovative company has already produced an intriguing podcast series, alongside a graphic novel and a novel, with eagerly anticipated game projects currently in development.
Dan Houser’s Favorite Characters and Insights
In a recent extensive video interview on the Lex Fridman podcast, Dan Houser reflected on his favorite characters and the creative process behind them. Houser, who penned every Rockstar game from GTA London: 1969 to Red Dead Redemption 2, highlighted Niko Bellic from GTA IV as his most cherished protagonist. He praised Niko’s innovative nature and moral complexity, alongside a nod to other iconic characters like CJ from San Andreas and Michael from GTA V.
Houser shared that the infrequent release of GTA games has significantly contributed to their success, building anticipation and driving sales for each new installment. He confidently predicted that the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI, set to release on May 26, 2026, will continue this trend. The secret sauce, he suggested, lies in Rockstar’s relentless pursuit of innovation.
Thoughts on AI and Upcoming Projects
Houser also addressed the burgeoning field of generative AI and large language models, expressing a lack of concern over their potential to create truly groundbreaking ideas. Instead, he views them as tools for producing cost-effective content. He believes that genuine creativity and unique ideas will always hold their value.
In his new creative space, Houser explores fascinating concepts such as a semi-sociopathic AI named Nigel Dave in the dystopian setting of “A Better Paradise.” A game based on this intriguing world is currently in early development at Absurd Ventures’ Santa Monica studio. Moreover, an open-world video game set in another universe called “Absurdaverse” is under development, though it’s expected to take a few years before reaching completion.