Dan Houser: GTA, Red Dead Redemption, Rockstar, Absurd & Future of Gaming | Lex Fridman Podcast #484

This podcast recap is from a wide-ranging conversation with Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games and creative force behind the Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption series. The discussion extensively covers the creative process and philosophical underpinnings of developing highly successful open-world video games, including the challenges of balancing narrative storytelling with player freedom and the evolution of technology. Houser also discusses his new venture, Absurdventures, which is creating multiple new worlds across various media, and offers insights on the future of gaming, the role of AI in creativity, and reflections on life and mortality. Furthermore, the conversation includes commentary on classic films and literature, illustrating the influences on his work.