Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games and a pivotal figure behind the Grand Theft Auto series, has announced his latest endeavor: an original story-driven action-comedy adventure game set in the “Absurdaverse.” This project marks a significant step for Houser’s new media company, Absurd Ventures, which he established after departing Rockstar in 2020.
Absurd Ventures, headquartered in Santa Monica, California, aims to craft narrative worlds across various mediums, including live-action, animation, video games, graphic novels, and podcasts. The company’s mission is to create new intellectual properties without being confined to a single format, allowing for expansive storytelling opportunities.
The “Absurdaverse” is envisioned as a universe populated by a diverse array of characters, ranging from surly teenagers and adult professionals to vikings and the undead. Absurd Ventures plans to introduce this new intellectual property through animation projects slated for release later this year, with the action-comedy adventure game serving as a cornerstone of this expansive universe.
In addition to the game, Absurd Ventures is developing other storytelling universes. One such project, “American Caper,” centers on two American families navigating a world of corrupt business, inept politics, and bungling crime. This narrative will debut as a graphic novel illustrated by renowned comic book artist Simon Bisley. Another project, “A Better Paradise,” is described as an existential suspense thriller set in the near future and will be presented as a 12-episode audio fiction series, co-produced with award-winning audio company QCODE Media.
Houser’s departure from Rockstar Games in 2020 marked the end of an era for the company he co-founded in 1998. During his tenure, he served as the lead writer and creative director for landmark franchises such as Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. His storytelling prowess contributed to the massive success of these series, with Grand Theft Auto V alone selling over 175 million copies to date.
With Absurd Ventures, Houser seeks to explore new creative horizons, building universes that transcend traditional media boundaries. The company’s tagline, “Storytelling. Philanthropy. Ultraviolence,” hints at a blend of narrative depth, social commentary, and the edgy themes that characterized Houser’s previous works.
As the gaming and entertainment industries continue to evolve, Houser’s return with Absurd Ventures is poised to make a significant impact. The forthcoming projects, particularly the action-comedy adventure game set in the Absurdaverse, are highly anticipated by fans and industry observers alike. With a focus on innovative storytelling and multi-platform content, Absurd Ventures aims to carve out a unique space in the media landscape.
While specific details about the game’s plot and release date remain under wraps, the announcement has generated considerable buzz. Houser’s track record suggests that the Absurdaverse will offer a compelling blend of humor, action, and thought-provoking narratives, challenging conventional storytelling norms.
In the broader context of the entertainment industry, Houser’s move reflects a growing trend of creators seeking greater creative freedom through independent ventures. By establishing Absurd Ventures, he joins a cadre of industry veterans leveraging their experience to explore new storytelling possibilities across multiple platforms.
