Grand Theft Auto 3's Cinematic Camera Angle: A Train Ride's Unexpected Legacy
The iconic cinematic camera angle, a staple of the Grand Theft Auto series since its introduction in Grand Theft Auto 3, had an unexpectedly humble beginning: a "boring" train ride. Former Rockstar Games developer Obbe Vermeij recently shared the story behind this now-essential feature.
Vermeij, a veteran who contributed to GTA 3, Vice City, San Andreas, and GTA 4, has been sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes on his blog and Twitter. His latest revelation details the genesis of the cinematic camera.
Initially, Vermeij found the train rides in GTA 3 monotonous. He considered allowing players to skip them, but this proved impossible due to potential streaming issues. His solution? He implemented a camera that dynamically shifted between viewpoints along the train tracks, enhancing the otherwise dull journey. A colleague's suggestion to adapt this for car travel proved a game-changer. The Rockstar team found the result "surprisingly entertaining," thus birthing the iconic angle.
Interestingly, this camera angle remained untouched in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. However, it underwent a significant overhaul in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas by another developer. A fan even demonstrated what GTA 3's train ride would have looked like without the cinematic camera, prompting Vermeij to clarify that the original, unaltered view would have been a simple overhead perspective, similar to driving a car from a slightly elevated rear angle.
Vermeij's recent contributions also include verifying details from a major Grand Theft Auto leak last December. This leak revealed early plans for an online mode in GTA 3, including character creation and online missions. Vermeij confirmed developing a rudimentary deathmatch mode, but it was ultimately scrapped due to requiring extensive further development. The cinematic camera, however, proved to be a lasting and beloved addition to the franchise.
