# Ex-Rockstar Boss Dan Houser Won't Play GTA 6

> Former Rockstar Games co-boss Dan Houser won't play GTA 6 to avoid creative influence.
- Title: Ex-Rockstar Boss Dan Houser Won't Play GTA 6 · IGN | Shortify
- Summary: Former Rockstar Games co-boss Dan Houser won't play GTA 6 to avoid creative influence. Dan Houser, ex-Rockstar creative director, won't play GTA 6 to prevent…
- Keywords: dan houser, rockstar games, gta 6, absurd ventures, american caper, a better paradise, red dead redemption, sopranos, gaming, entertainment, Ex-Rockstar, Boss
- Source: IGN — https://ign.com/articles/ex-rockstar-boss-dan-houser-doesnt-play-a-lot-of-open-world-games-and-doesnt-plan-to-play-gta-6
- Author: Ryan McCaffrey
- Published: 2026-10-02T18:10:29.41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dan houser, rockstar games, gta 6, absurd ventures, american caper, a better paradise, red dead redemption, sopranos, gaming, entertainment
## Dan Houser's gaming habits
Dan Houser, former Rockstar Games co-boss and creative director for Grand Theft Auto, doesn't play many open-world games.
## Why he won't play GTA 6
Houser doesn't plan to play GTA 6 because he wants to avoid creative influence from other open-world games.
## Creative strategy
Houser avoids watching open-world games to focus on innovative marketing and game design without comparison.
## Red Dead Redemption example
Houser never watched The Sopranos until after leaving Rockstar, watching only the finale with his wife during real-time.
## New projects at Absurd Ventures
Absurd Ventures, Houser's new company, is releasing American Caper graphic novel next month and A Better Paradise.
## Key takeaway

Dan Houser, ex-Rockstar creative director, won't play GTA 6 to prevent being influenced by open-world games during his new projects.