Grand Theft Auto V Is 100% HandCrafted, Has Unlimited Draw Distance

In an interview released to Buzzfeed, Aaron Garbut, who has been Rockstar North‘s Art Director since GTA III, talked extensively about the upcoming GTA V. According to him, the game world is completely handcrafted despite being absolutely huge, with a result far superior to that of GTA IV.

[Prcko]

We’ve simply not copied buildings around the map or procedurally generated the terrain to pad it out. It’s all handcrafted, all unique, and we’ve gone over it all again and again and again to make sure there’s enough layering of detail that I don’t think many people will ever see everything we’ve put into the world. That in itself, though, means that most people will have different experiences.
We used to call Liberty City a living, breathing world, but this is way beyond anything we’ve done before.

Simply AMAZING!

[Alexious]

Yeah, now we need the PC ultimate version though!

[Prcko]

i still can't decide: buy it for ps3 or w8 for pc version
i really wanna try it day one,but in other hand i wanna play this in full hd glory...

[FlameHawk]

Im buying it for my PS3, why the hell would I wait for this awesome game.

[HammadTheBeast]

Try petitioning.

[ArtificiallyYours]

Implying that people care whether or not it's on PC currently.

Hasn't come out yet, why be on edge about a PC version?

[Eldyraen]

I'll end up buying it on console at release and then later on if it does come out for PC I'll probably buy it again--on sale most likely (unless retail price warrants it--including all DLC). I'm fine with picking up most games on PC at full price but if its a game I already own the likelihood of full price purchase is really, really low.

Its the risk companies take for delayed releases imho.

Doesn't have to be a huge discount though as I'm picking up Castlevania LoS day 1 ;)

I just can't wait for a possibility most of the time--if they give a set date not as big of a deal though.

[SonyPS4]

Until a PC version actually exists, I will enjoy the PS3 version.

[Iceman_Nightmare]

Yeah huh, so you PC guys can put RockstarGames in debt by pirating GTA V... no go buy a console, and play it on it!

[Khajiit86]

Waited long enough

[CaptainFaisal]

The game in my opinion would be much better on PS4 and XBOX One than on PC. As the devs would optimize their game to run on consoles which makes it very good and smooth like PlanetSide 2 on PS4 it runs on ultra and is easy to do!
If you wan mods well yes PC is the best but didnt Microsoft say that you can also mod games using your Xbox One ? so basically i want the game On PS4,X1, And PC! waaaay better than ps3 and x360 -.- but the game still looks amazing !

[Alexious]

Wow people, why the hate on PC? The more platforms it releases, the better. Plus, obviously a PC release would have better graphics.

[mewhy32]

This game looks as good or better than any xbone game that I've seen yet.

[fr0sty]

I'll wait on a next gen port... being that this game is made with current gen in mind, I seriously doubt there will be anything in the PC version that the PS4 couldn't handle with ease. Plus I'll have the comfort of being able to play in my living room, since I don't want a large and noisy gaming rig sitting under my TV.

[CapsLocke]

The amount of dislikes clearly shows the amount of butthurt console peasants.

[ProjectVulcan]

I bought GTA4 on PS3 launch day, then traded it for the PC version as soon as it was available and kept the PC version.

However seeing the 360 version had better performance of GTA4, I bought the DLC as standalones on 360, then again traded it for the PC version of the DLC later.

I'll do the same here, but probably go for the PS3 version with GTA5.

Seems to me Rockstar got a better handle on PS3 now, hopefully it should at least match the 360 version for performance and it'll be all on one disc. Not to mention I am used to GTA on the playstation pad, starting with GTA3.

I'll be wanting a PC version asap just the same though- we saw that they have even higher quality assets just waiting to be unleashed on PC

[MadLad]

I feel the same way.
I really want to play the game at launch, but I know the PC version will be a lot better.
I will probably wait it out though.

[Sam Fisher]

Does any1 know that gta will be day 1 dl on ps3?

[slimeybrainboy]

Judging my how massive it sounds it'll be day 2 by the time you download it.

[jessupj]

I just jizzed in my pants. So pumped for this game.

[Jneal7]

Just gonna leave this here.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[Consoldtobots]

I disagree with your assessment, this isn't amazing, this is what all devs should provide for the money they charge for these games. Lazy gameworlds are one of my biggest pet peeves and make me put a title down faster than crap thru a goose.

[ZBlacktt]

Next they'll be saying they can make next Gen specs on the current gen consoles. I understand they see the Next Gen consoles coming out a month or so later and they are not on them. Sure it will be a awesome game still. Just wish is was on the next Gen as well.

So much butthurt on this site, lol... PS4, 8 times more powerful then PS3. So no way could the game not be/look any better, no...

[SpideySpeakz]

Releasing on next-gen would kill GTAV sales. They'll be committing financial suicide. Best option is to wait a few years, then port it over. I really wish people stop complaining about this, because everyone knows the deal with Rockstar. They do this every console generation.

[ZBlacktt]

No one is complaining. It makes good use of current gen consoles, lol. Otherwise people would flood to the Next Gen. But yeah it's all good, next Gen has Watch Dogs and AC4 BF, The Division, Infamous SS to name a few that will be Next Gen spec with open world. So not like no one will not have plenty to do.

[Spinal]

No it wouldn't be financial suicide idiot. It would be if they announced it now. They will wait for it to be released then early 2014 they will announce the PC an next gen versions to make even more money they will be released next year not in a couple years that would be stupid. But 6-9 months after launch would be a financial gain for them as the new console buyers will need new games.

[Consoldtobots]

what's with calling people idiots?

lighten up francis we're only discussing a hobby.

[Pillsbury1]

Rockstar is boss.

[Benjammin25]

When I heard that there wasn't a PS4 version of this game currently in the works, I was a bit pissed if I'm being honest. But if everything they're saying here is true, I'll be just fine with the PS3 version...for now.

[SolidStoner]

they didnt say anything about the PS4..

it will be a surprise, trust me... :)

[Martywren]

Yes they are.

[RedHawkX]

day one on the ps3 because im not into tortureing myself and then pc versions later if i still got money after getting a ps4.

[ABeastNamedTariq]

I have to preorder the Special Edition soon. It's already sold out for PS3 at GameStop. That steelbook will go nicely with my one for TLOU.

[Jughead3416]

How is this not a next gen game?

[MizTv]

I know dude

[RioKing]

:/

[Consoldtobots]

cause they want to sell to the current console base and not one that has yet to come into existence?

my question would be, why release this year?

[cunnilumpkin]

hopefully pc version is out a month later

I may break down and rent it on ps3 and play for a few hours

[maximus1985]

what is with you pc guys? i get it it will be amazing and the modding etc, but to pout and say well im not playing it until pc, IS RIDICULOUS! YOLO

[RioKing]

^This.

[Plagasx]

Yolo??....Jesus christ man..

[JackBNimble]

I think some pc gamers just want to experience GTAV at it's best their first time threw the game, nothing wrong with that.
I have been a big fan of GTA series since day one, so there is no way in hell that I am going to be able to wait for a PC version, PS3 for me now, PC version later.

[MrTrololo]

**** you and your YOLO

[Alexious]

Dude, not everyone owns a current generation console anymore.

[NarooN]

I think the YOLO was put in for comedic effect. I find it to be pretty hilarious, myself.

[Martywren]

@maximus i agree with u its getting annoying, half of the pc gamers are cheap bastard who just want too pirate gta v. I hope rockstar bring it too pc next yr

[maximus1985]

Lol YOLO became the issue. @Naroon thank you for having a sense of humor.

[cyguration]

@Martywren

WTF are you talking about? GTA V will be pirated at least 2 million times on Xbox 360 because it's a hack-modders wet dream console.

All the big releases on Xbox 360 are pirated nearly a month before release and for multiplatform titles they're sometimes pirated and torrented BEFORE THE PC VERSION. That's just epic fail dude.

Enough with the PC = pirates conspiracy theory because it's been dead since Steam became King.

[Wni0]

lmao unlimited draw distance, thats cute. scuse me while i amplify 3 times the normal fog so you cant see the textures poppig in.

[DigitalAnalog]

No, I think they've optimized the LOD/DOF before textures are streamed. Assuming the console version would deliver - imagine what it would be like for the PC when you push it an extra bit high. Add to that extra resolution? I'll rather wait for the PC version instead as I want the best possible experience possible.

[Consoldtobots]

that only happens with bad coding.....cough unreal cough engine cough cough cough.....

good coding is what Insomniac and Ninja Theory did on their first titles for the PS3. Create a system of vector granularity for your 3d models where the actual vectors that get rendered is controlled by your proximity to it. The same can be applied to textures, lighting, animations etc.

that's the beauty of a binary simulation, you choose the level of detail for your game, you control every single pixel that gets shaded, every vector that gets transformed.

[Consoldtobots]

that should read vertex not vector....durp

[1nsomniac]

The only thing that worries me about this game is we all know how great it looks with Rockstar publically saying these images are undoctored PS3 screenshots but there's not a single comment or statement about any of the tech & how they actually managed to get it to look this good on consoles this old - It's just hard to believe!

[Zancruz]

From what I understand the GTA5 Gameplay trailers was on the PS3 as well and thoses videos looked amazing too... Maybe it has to do with the mandatory 8 gig game install? I don't know, but IF the game looks as good as the trailers on my 60in I'll be extremely happy.

[maximus1985]

great point ive been think the same thing, how can this look this amazing on current gen? I looked back at old rockstar trailers like gta 4 and red dead and they lived up so i hope this all lives up come september

[Zancruz]

Even though the game release date is a month away, I would still give somebody else's child up for a early copy of GTA5..lol.. I'm just saying, I'm really ready to play the game that most likely Game Of The Year if not Best Game Of This Generation!

[Pieman523]

So damn excited. Amazing to hear that there will be no limits on draw distance. Can't wait to jump into some multiplayer.

[zyphee]

I would buy a whole shipment of gta if i had the money..I SUPPORT YOU ROCKSTAR

[Racer_X]

"The entire world draws all the time: You can fly high in the air at one corner of the map, look over the miles of city and skyscrapers, over the hills and desert to the furthest ridges of the most distant mountains. It’s all there and visible."

I hope this includes NPC's. What I didn't like with GTA IV was that NPC's and vehicles would not show when you went vertical. Ruined the immersion for me when looking down from a building or high structure only to see no activity happening below and looking like a ghost town.

[DoctorJones]

I know what you mean, but I doubt they will be able to pull that off. It would be hard enough to do with a decent gaming pc let alone on the ps3 and 360. The amount going on would probably slaughter the frame rate.

I'm quite happy to give them some slack in that regard. I will be quite impressed if they do happen to pull it off though, very impressed actually.

[Racer_X]

What they've accomplished is still awesome, and it's understandable if NPC's aren't visible from far distances, but I just hope that they are at least visible from a greater distance in height compared to GTA IV.

[Festano]

Promises to be a great game, I hope they announce soon for PC.

[Pintheshadows]

Sorcery, not game development, going on at R*.

They really are masters. I can believe that with an 8GB install, their mastery of development, squeezing every last bit of power out of the PS3, and optimising the game to hell and back that this is will be the true pinnacle of what the aging consoles can do.

The fact that it is all handcrafting is testament to R*'s skill and dedication to creating the best experiences for us. Combine this with the interactive info on R*'s website and my hype has somehow risen to even higher levels.

[we420]

"Higher Vertical Element" = Higher Suicide Jumps From Plane XD.

[The_Sneauxman]

First thing I do.. Find the highest building and JUMP.

[I_am_Batman]

While unlimited draw distance sounds great it is not really possible without having unlimited system requirements. It is most importantly limited by the world itself. Althought there are some tricks to accomplish a wider draw distance like rendering near objects in full detail and objects that are far away with less detail you will still see more or less texture and objects pop ins depending on the power of the PC you're using and the speed you're traveling through the world.

[Mr-SellJack]

D*ck riding,this isn't possible if so then this has been done in Farcry3!..............

[KonsoruMasuta]

What?

[hairy]

I'll wait for a ps4 version, please let there be one eventually

[SpideySpeakz]

I keep telling people this, but they won't lesson.
There will be NO re-release version of GTAV on next-gen, but there will more than likely be a ported version in a few years. You may as well buy it for current-gen because you'll be waiting for a while on PS4. Even with the ported version, the graphics won't change.

[brewskiebob]

sorry but i cannot wait for a pc or next gen version....i dont have a console atm and was gonna wait to get the ps4...but i just cant wait. Ill be buying a ps3 just to play this game to pass time till ps4 arrives.

[MrTrololo]

This is possible with PC but with current gen ? Nah. Plus the game gonna look ugly on PS3/Xbox 360. Rather wait for PC.

[cyguration]

lol the console fanboys disagreed with you but what they fail to understand is that games have already pushed the limits of the 360/PS3 and we've seen their max capabilities.

Rockstar WILL have to cut corners somewhere. Just like in Just Cause 2, all the optimization in the world and the game's amazing draw distances at certain heights still took a massive hit on the framerate and there was hardly anything going on on-screen. The game would sometimes crawl when a bunch of bad guys started shooting and the explosions would go off. It's not a matter of optimization since we're dealing with diminishing returns on near decade old hardware.

It's so sad that console fanboys are still lured in by PR pitches... I would be willing to bet that GTA V on consoles doesn't look or run the way it appears in the trailers.

[Modestmex]

Ill wait for it to come out on pc!!

[Dungus]

I just can't see this working as well as it should on current-gen consoles. That's not to say it will look or feel crap, it will probably still be tremendous. But it really does seem like a purely next-generation vision and it worries me to see if it will struggle or not implementing everything they want to show us from the off. I fear they'll reluctantly have to hold back on certain things/details we wont get to see in all their glory until next-gen and PC versions are announced early next year (which they will).

[iistuii]

Agree...

[aLiEnViSiToR]

I can see clearly now... can't wait to play it is gone be glorious :D

[iistuii]

All that draw distance, all those jaggies. GTA4 was terrible for jaggies & I can't see this being any different. I just cant put up with 720 & no AA.
I'll wait for PC version.

[drsfinest72]

This gen gta V. San Andreas. Next gen gta VI vice city remake?

[TheFamous1]

Game of the Year.. sorry everything else.. but GTA V is the best quality AAA game ever.

[TheFamous1]

The only thing I hope for is lots and lots and lots of pedestrian variations - nothing worse than walking down the street and seeing two of the same "skinned" NPC walking together.

[SpecialK]

Im going to wait on the pc version. It'll suck but Im not buying a game twice and this game will look amazing on better hardware.

Unless its released for next gen, then I'll go with that 100%

[FlyingFoxy]

Unlimited Draw distance will make the multiplayer on PC awesome, now R* just we need dedicated servers plus editable game modes and 64+ players. Then we are set for a great MP just as fun if not better than SA-MP!

[Mac420]

6 years of hard work an this is what it amounts to. I personally love the fact R* Gave MS an Sony the shaft an didn't come out on next gen consoles, not everybody is buying a new console this year. This is what happens when you have a team that is more passionate about there work, then how much profit they will make. Glad they didn't come out on console launch like the last GTA. It suffered due to the fact they were working on new hardware they had no idea how to get all that power out like they currently do. So hush already about "these cant possibly be on curret gen consoles" they are! Think the COD reveal has kids wondering how can a last gen look better then new? Just look at screens of Destiny on current gen, pretty amazing when you put a passionate studio behind the wheel.