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Episode 217:

GTA 3D

Runtime: 53 Minutes

History Topics (At-A Glance):

Grand Theft Auto III (20021)

Episode Summary:

Today. we dive into the chaotic streets of Grand Theft Auto III, first released on October 22, 2001. We begin by exploring the game’s development, from its early prototype on the Sega Dreamcast to the pivotal decision to move it to the PlayStation 2, a change that would revolutionize open-world gaming. Along the way, we highlight the game's groundbreaking design, which transformed Liberty City into a living, breathing 3D world, giving players unprecedented freedom to explore and cause mayhem. We'll also look at the game's lasting impact, from its controversial themes to its influence on modern sandbox games. Finally, we reflect on GTA III's legacy as one of the most important titles in video game history, and why it remains a landmark in the gaming industry. So, buckle up and join us for this wild ride through Liberty City on today's trip down Memory Card Lane.


Video Games and Consoles Discussed in this Episode:
Grand Theft Auto III (2001 )

Wikipedia

Space Station Silicon Valley (1998)

Wikipedia

Grand Theft Auto 2 (1998)

Wikipedia

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2003)

Wikipedia

Additional Sources:

IGN Staff. (2012, May 21). Grand Theft Auto 3: Interview with DMA - IGN. IGN.

https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/02/23/grand-theft-auto-3-interview-with-dma

Donnelly, J. (2022, September 22). 20 years later, Rockstar reflects on how GTA 3 “showed us the first glimpse of what was possible.” Gamesradar.

https://www.gamesradar.com/20-years-later-rockstar-reflects-on-how-gta-3-showed-us-the-first-glimpse-of-what-was-possible/

Yarwood, J. (2024, April 26). Grand Theft Auto III likely wouldn’t exist without the Sega Dreamcast. Time Extension..

https://www.timeextension.com/news/2024/04/grand-theft-auto-iii-likely-wouldnt-exist-without-the-sega-dreamcast

McInnis, S. (2011, October 21). Dan Houser opens up about Grand Theft Auto III. GameSpot.

https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dan-houser-opens-up-about-grand-theft-auto-iii/1100-6341347/

How Grand Theft Auto III was made - PlayStation 2 at IGN. (n.d.). IGN.

https://web.archive.org/web/20111024184826/http://games.ign.com/articles/121/1210471p2.html

Audio Sources:
Cold Open Music

Bleeping Demo by Kevin MacLeod

Link: Free Download

Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Podcast Intro Music

Open Those Bright Eyes by Kevin MacLeod

Link: Free Download

Licensed under CC BY 4.0: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license