Dan Houser, the co-founder of Rockstar Games and a pivotal figure behind the critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series, is making a return to the gaming landscape with his new studio, Absurd Ventures. After an extended break from the industry, which culminated in his departure from Rockstar in 2019, Houser is now ready to unveil a series of ambitious projects, including a podcast and video games inspired by the themes of technology and human interaction.
Reflecting on his time at Rockstar, Houser expressed that the decision to leave was a necessary one after two decades of intense work. “Finishing those big projects and thinking about doing another one is really intense,” he remarked. He acknowledged that turning 45 post-Red Dead Redemption 2 release prompted him to explore new creative avenues outside of traditional game development.
Initially, Houser considered writing for film and television. However, he found the industry’s creative ambitions lacking. “That world was not overly excited by me and I was not overly excited by them,” he stated. This realization led him back to gaming, a medium he believes is uniquely capable of ambitious storytelling. Relocating to Santa Monica, he established Absurd Ventures, enlisting fellow industry veterans such as Greg Borrud and Wendy Smith to help steer the company’s direction.
One of the studio’s notable projects is the upcoming 12-part story podcast titled A Better Paradise, set to be released in 2024. The podcast presents a dystopian narrative centered around an ambitious online game overseen by an AI that begins to evolve beyond its intended purpose, a premise Houser describes as a satire of today’s tech culture. “All of these tech companies start out with grandiose ambitions… but they end up creating some of the most powerful people in history in terms of reach and mind control,” he noted, reflecting on the societal implications of unchecked technological advancement.
The fictional company at the heart of the podcast, Tyburn Industria, mirrors the structure of a gaming studio rather than a social media conglomerate. The protagonist, a writer, grapples with the complexities of game development. “I wanted to write about games and tech in a way that felt authentic,” Houser explained, indicating that his experiences in the gaming industry deeply inform the narrative.
Absurd Ventures is not stopping at audio storytelling; the studio is also working on an open-world video game adaptation of A Better Paradise. While specific details about the game remain scarce, Houser confirmed that key elements, including the AI character NigelDave, will be central to the gameplay.
In addition to the podcast and its game adaptation, Absurd Ventures is developing a comedic universe known as Absurdaverse. This project features a cast of eccentric characters and will likely expand into animated TV shows or movies. Houser describes this universe as “a living sitcom,” hinting at innovative gameplay mechanics that could involve AI-driven narratives shaped by players’ interactions with NPCs.
Another venture involves adapting the comic book series American Caper, which Houser co-wrote with Lazlow, a fellow Rockstar veteran. Unlike the open-world format of his previous projects, this interactive adaptation may take a more focused, narrative-driven approach, reflecting Houser’s ongoing interest in mature, story-led gaming experiences.
Throughout our conversation, Houser emphasized his belief that there is still a significant audience for single-player, narrative-rich games. Despite the industry’s growing inclination toward live-service titles like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox, he remains committed to producing games that offer unique stories and engaging mechanics. “We’re trying to make new stuff,” he asserted. “I hope so. Or we’re in a little bit of trouble,” he added, expressing a blend of optimism and concern about the industry’s evolving landscape.
As Houser embarks on this new chapter with Absurd Ventures, the gaming community eagerly anticipates his fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling methods. With projects that challenge conventional gaming norms and explore profound themes, Houser is poised to leave an indelible mark on the industry once again.
