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 unlikely origin: a "boring" train ride. Former Rockstar Games developer Obbe Vermeij recently shared the behind-the-scenes story of this now-famous feature.
Vermeij, a veteran who contributed to Grand Theft Auto 3, Vice City, San Andreas, and Grand Theft Auto 4, has been sharing development anecdotes on his blog and Twitter. His latest revelation details the genesis of the cinematic camera.
Initially, Vermeij found the in-game train ride monotonous. He considered allowing players to skip it, but this proved impossible due to potential streaming issues. Instead, he implemented a camera that dynamically shifted between viewpoints along the train tracks, enhancing the otherwise dull journey. A colleague's suggestion to apply a similar approach to car driving led to the birth of the cinematic camera angle, a feature the team found "surprisingly entertaining."
This cinematic angle remained unchanged in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. However, it underwent revisions in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas by a different developer. A fan even demonstrated what the original train ride would have looked like without the cinematic camera, prompting Vermeij to clarify that it would have resembled a standard, slightly elevated rear-view of the train carriage.
Vermeij also recently corroborated details from a significant Grand Theft Auto leak, confirming work on an online mode for Grand Theft Auto 3. He revealed his contribution: a rudimentary deathmatch implementation. However, this online component was ultimately scrapped due to its unfinished state. The leak detailed plans for character creation, online missions, and progression systems.
The story of the cinematic camera angle serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor design choices can have a profound impact, shaping the identity and legacy of a game franchise.
