This article contains major spoilers for GTA 4, GTA 5, RDR1, and RDR2 – proceed with caution.Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser has revealed that iconic protagonist Niko Bellic was almost killed off in the original ending of Grand Theft Auto 4. It’s no secret that Grand Theft Auto 4 features a darker tone compared to the rest of the series, but it could have been even more tragic according to Dan Houser.
When looking at the legacy left behind by Grand Theft Auto 4, it’s commitment to a more bleak narrative tone really helps the game stand out among the series. The story of Niko and his arrival to the United States is commonly seen as the best aspect of Grand Theft Auto 4, and pulled the series away from the wacky vibe seen in previous games. Equally, this turned some players off the game altogether. The more zany elements of Grand Theft Auto were often absent in the 2008 title, giving it a totally different vibe to everything the franchise has produced before or after.
Dan Houser Reveals Niko Bellic Was Almost Killed Off in GTA 4
Speaking on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser was discussing John Marston’s death in Red Dead Redemption, and revealed he toyed with the idea of killing protagonist Niko in Grand Theft Auto 4. “Well, I would like to have, at the end of GTA 4, killed Niko, but you couldn’t do it,” Houser said. “You know, the game doesn’t work out like that.” And while the developer didn’t end up following through for GTA 4, Houser does acknowledge that the risk it took in killing Marston in 2010’s Red Dead Redemption eventually paid off.
Since its decision not to kill Niko Bellic, Rockstar has become very comfortable with offing even its most iconic protagonists. Both John Marston and Arthur Morgan met heartbreaking ends in Red Dead Redemption 1 and 2 respectively, and both Trevor and Michael can perish depending on player choice in Grand Theft Auto 5. It has almost become a staple of Rockstar titles at this point, and it’s something the developer manages to pull off sublimely every single time.
Well, I would like to have, at the end of GTA 4, killed Niko, but you couldn’t do it. You know, the game doesn’t work out like that.
With Dan Houser confirmed to have no involvement in Grand Theft Auto 6‘s story, it remains to be seen whether either Jason or Lucia will suffer the same fate in the upcoming title. It is assumed by many to be a “Bonnie & Clyde” kind of story, which could spell bad news for the GTA 6 protagonists. However, killing off protagonists is always a bold move, and doing so without Houser’s involvement could prove to be a massive risk for the developer.
- Released
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April 29, 2008
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
