#484 – Dan Houser: GTA, Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar, Absurd & Future of Gaming

In this interview, Lex Fridman engages in a wide-ranging conversation with Dan Houser, the co-founder of Rockstar Games and creative force behind the Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption series. They discuss Houser's influences from film and literature, the creative process behind developing open-world video games with compelling narratives and characters, and his new company, Absurd Ventures, including the worlds of "A Better Paradise," "American Caper," and "Absurdiverse." Houser shares insights on balancing open-world freedom with structured storytelling, creating 360-degree characters, and his thoughts on AI's role in creative fields. They also delve into specific games like GTA IV, GTA V, and Red Dead Redemption 2, exploring the challenges and successes in their development, and Houser reflects on his creative journey, the impact of his work, and his perspectives on life, death, and the meaning of existence.