Dan Houser, visionary co-founder of Rockstar Games
The creative soul behind titles as iconic as Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption today revealed his next endeavour. Some four years after leaving Rockstar in the early 2020s, Houser founded Absurd Ventures, a new studio dedicated to exciting storymaking across games, TV shows, and podcasts. Now, for the first time, the studio has revealed a major video game project: the story-driven action-comedy adventure game set within a connected universe called the "Absurdaverse."
The Legacy of Dan Houser
Actually, he is the brother of Sam Houser and co-founded Rockstar Games with him, sculpting the identity of the studio. He is an exceptional writer with bold narration, which, along with his brothers, has earned him fame and love for some of the industry's most valued games: Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2. His leaving in 2020 suddenly sparked questions about what he would do next.
With Absurd Ventures, Houser has brought together a team of industry veterans, including Red Dead Redemption 2 writer Michael Unsworth and longtime Rockstar collaborator Lazlow Jones. Together, they're working on a variety of projects, from narrative podcasts to animated series and, of course, video games.
What Is the Absurdaverse?
The Absurdaverse is a connected universe in which Absurd Ventures' new game and animated series will be set. Although little is known at this point, the studio did share a teaser image featuring a diverse cast of characters, from modern-day civilians to skeletons and even a grim reaper-like figure. This is likely to be a world of humour, satire, and the supernatural classic elements of Houser's signature style.
The game is a story-driven action-comedy adventure, probably set in an open world. According to Houser's previous experience, the player can expect rich narrative with witty remarks, excessive action, and social commentary.
What Else Is Absurd Ventures Working On?
Apart from the Absurdaverse, Absurd Ventures has launched its first project with yet another narrative podcast called A Better Paradise, starring Andrew Lincoln from The Walking Dead. The other story being developed in their studio is called American Caper, and it's its own standalone universe.
As done in this multi-medium approach, this is a very ambitious move from Houser to tell stories beyond the traditional gameplay. By exploring podcasts and TV shows, the total diverse content range or portfolio that Absurd Ventures aims for is quite appealing and wide-ranging.
How Is This Compared to Rockstar's Projects?
While Absurd Ventures' work so far is in an early phase, there seems to be a clear distinction from Houser's work on Rockstar. The game of the Abysurdaverse cannot very well go against Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. It rather seems to have a specific amalgamation of comedy, action, and narration, which will be distinct.
Interestingly, Houser has launched multiple projects at Absurd Ventures in the time it has taken Rockstar to develop Grand Theft Auto VI. This showcases his relentless creativity and drive to explore new ideas.
What is in the Future for Absurd Ventures?
Further information related to the new game, named Absurdaverse, along with an animated series, is soon to be launched by the platform. These features will have viewers getting into detail about its character, background, and gameplay aspects forming this much hyped, exciting new world.
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For now, it just looks like more entertainment for people willing to enjoy Dan Houser and his entire team as to how they could execute the upcoming version.
What do you expect from Dan Houser's new game? Are you stoked about the Absurdaverse?
