Rockstar Games co-founder and Grand Theft Auto writer Dan Houser leaves studio

• Dan Houser is set to leave Rockstar Games in March 2020
• He co-founded the groundbreaking studio with his brother Sam in 1998
• The announcement comes ahead of the highly rumoured Grand Theft Auto VI

Dan Houser, lead writer across Red Dead Redemption, Bully and the Grand Theft Auto series, is set to leave studio Rockstar Games.  

In a statement to investors from the developer’s parent company Take-Two Interactive, they stated Houser would leave Rockstar on 11th March following an “extended break”.  

The statement reads: “After an extended break beginning in the spring of 2019, Dan Houser, vice president, creative at Rockstar Games, will be leaving the company. 

“Dan Houser’s last day will be March 11, 2020. We are extremely grateful for his contributions. 

Dan Houser is set to leave the studio in March (Picture: Rockstar Games) 

“Rockstar Games has built some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful game worlds, a global community of passionate fans and an incredibly talented team, which remains focused on current and future projects.” 

Houser’s brother Sam, who he co-founded Rockstar Games with in 1998, will remain as company president.  

The Houser brothers began the Grand Theft Auto franchise working for BMG Interactive, who published the first title in the series. BMG was later acquired by Take-Two, leading to the Houser brothers to form Rockstar Games who continued the series.  

The studio has become one of the biggest developers in the industry, creating Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, Max Payne and Bully.  

Dan’s departure also comes amid rumours of a Grand Theft Auto VI announcement, raising questions of whether this could affect its production.