In the GTA series, several actual road vehicles are recreated as close duplicates in the game's collection
In the world of the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series, players cruise the streets in cars that bear striking resemblances to real-life vehicles, but with unique names. This is no coincidence, as Rockstar Games deliberately avoids using real car brands in the game to steer clear of expensive licensing costs and potential legal issues.
The decision to use fictional car brands gives Rockstar a creative edge. With GTA's often criminal and morally questionable activities, real brands might shy away from associating themselves with such content. The game's emphasis on vehicle customization, which could be seen as brand endorsement of modifications that manufacturers may not approve, further complicates matters.
Instead of real cars, GTA features parody or clone vehicles inspired by real-life designs but with distinctive names. This approach allows Rockstar to evoke the style and culture of real cars without the legal entanglements that come with licensing fees and potential lawsuits.
Some of the in-game car brands, such as Pfister, are clear replicas of Porsche, while the Dewbauchee brand offers an in-game representation of Aston Martin, complete with a DB5 in GTA V. As graphics have advanced, the likeness to real-life vehicles in GTA games has greatly increased, often evoking a reaction similar to the Leonardo DiCaprio pointing meme from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
The process of negotiating deals with every major brand would be extremely time-consuming and costly. Rockstar's decision to use fictional car brands not only avoids these challenges but also supports the game's storytelling and gameplay flexibility.
The issue of creative freedom is a significant factor in Rockstar's decision. The complexity and length of the licensing negotiation process further underscores the wisdom of this choice.
From the first GTA game in 1997 to the release of GTA V in 2013, the series has been a legendary video game success, known for its popularity and the freedom it offers its creators. The use of fictional car brands is just one of the many elements that make the GTA series stand out.
The creative choice to utilize fictional car brands in the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series allows for greater gameplay flexibility and storytelling opportunities, sparing Rockstar from the lengthy and costly licensing negotiation process. This decision also enables the game to integrate elements of real-life car culture without incurring licensing fees and potential legal issues. The use of parody or clone vehicles, such as Pfister and Dewbauchee, offers comparable designs to popular luxury brands like Porsche and Aston Martin, respectively, while maintaining a distinct identity.
