Obbe Vermeij’s Journey with Rockstar North
Obbe Vermeij, a former technical director at Rockstar North, recently captivated the gaming world with his nostalgic tales from his time at the famed studio. Having been a part of Rockstar since 1995, Vermeij’s role in shaping games like Grand Theft Auto III and other titles in the early 2000s has been significant. His blog, which served as a platform for these reminiscences, offered fans a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of some of their favorite games.
“In the last few weeks, on his very old-school Blogger blog, Vermeij had been sharing some stories about the development processes behind the games,” capturing the attention and admiration of the gaming community.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Iconic GTA Games
Vermeij’s blog posts were a treasure trove of insights and anecdotes, shedding light on the complexities and challenges of game development. He revealed intriguing details about the original Grand Theft Auto and GTA 2, particularly the compromises made to adapt these games for the PlayStation 1.
“I remember one particular time when all of the textures for the PS version had been cut down to 16 colours,” Vermeij recollects, highlighting the tough decisions that were a part of the development process.
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of Game Development
The blog also celebrated the lesser-known aspects of game creation, such as the crucial role of testers in handling the myriad of bugs in San Andreas, and the innovative approaches to testing maps in GTA IV. Vermeij’s stories painted a picture of a passionate, experienced team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of gaming.
The Unmade Zombie Survival Game: A Lost Opportunity
One of the most intriguing revelations from Vermeij was about a proposed zombie survival game, set to be developed after Vice City. The game, titled “Z,” was envisioned to be set on a foggy Scottish island, presenting a stark departure from Rockstar’s usual urban landscapes. However, the project was abandoned in favor of working on San Andreas.
Rockstar North’s Reaction to Vermeij’s Blog
The nostalgic journey, however, took a turn when Rockstar North expressed displeasure over Vermeij’s blog. On November 22, Vermeij took down most of his posts, explaining, “some of the OGs there are upset by my blog.” This reaction reflects the studio’s desire to maintain a certain mystique around its game development process.
“I genuinely didn’t think anyone would mind me talking about 20-year-old games, but I was wrong,” Vermeij expressed, showing his surprise at the response.
The Culture of Secrecy in Game Development
Vermeij’s disappointment with Rockstar’s reluctance to discuss its development processes publicly sheds light on the broader issue of transparency in the gaming industry. His hope for Rockstar to one day share these stories themselves speaks to a desire for more openness in the industry.
The Internet’s Role in Preserving Gaming History
Despite the removal of the blog posts, the internet’s nature ensures that these stories remain accessible. The posts, described as “splendid, positive reads,” continue to offer valuable insights into the history of game development.
A Hope for the Future: Sharing Rockstar’s Legacy
Vermeij’s concluding thoughts resonate with many in the gaming community: “Maybe I’ll try again in a decade or two.” This sentiment captures the ongoing hope that one day, the stories and experiences behind the creation of beloved games like GTA will be freely shared and celebrated, shedding light on the art and science of game development.
Updated 11/23/23, 14.30 a.m. ET: The article has been updated to clarify that the concerns about the blog came specifically from Rockstar North, and that there was no direct demand for the posts’ removal. This update adds an important distinction to the narrative, emphasizing that the decision to remove the posts was more nuanced than initially perceived.
