The distinctive, segmented cover art style that has become synonymous with the Grand Theft Auto series, beginning with Grand Theft Auto 3, was created under urgent circumstances in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Former Rockstar vice president and lead writer Dan Houser detailed in a recent IGN interview that the original cover art for GTA 3 was scrapped because it featured burning buildings, a depiction that would have been insensitive following the events of 9/11.
Stephen Bliss, the artist responsible, designed the new cover, which features a collage of characters and vehicles, in approximately two evenings. This hasty creation process led to the "shards" or "squares" look that would go on to define the franchise's visual identity for subsequent titles. Houser noted the irony that this last-minute change, necessitated by real-world tragedy, resulted in a highly popular and culturally significant artistic style.
Beyond the cover art, some in-game content was also adjusted. Houser mentioned that elements such as the color of police cars were altered, and minor dialogue changes were made to ensure the game's content was appropriate in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. These adjustments were part of a broader effort to edit sensitive material that might have been perceived as overly offensive given the recent events.
Grand Theft Auto 3's release in October 2001 was a pivotal moment for Rockstar Games and its publisher, Take-Two Interactive, which Houser recalled was facing potential financial failure at the time. Despite initial lukewarm reception at E3, the game became a massive, sustained commercial success, driving Rockstar Games to prominence. The franchise's influence has since permeated wider popular culture, evident in fan-made content and merchandise that often references its signature cover art style.
The established cover art convention will continue with Grand Theft Auto 6, scheduled for release on November 19 for Xbox and PlayStation platforms.