Disclaimer: This Hub is fan speculation, and there is no guarantee that the ideas presented will ever appear in the commercial release of Grand Theft Auto 5.

Grand Theft Auto is one of the most controversial, successful, and entertaining series of video games ever to be released. In case you've never played any GTA games, they revolve around criminal enterprise and activity with an emphasis on car theft. If mature content does not offend you, then I highly recommend the Grand Theft Auto series.

It was widely believed that Grand Theft Auto 5, the newest addition to the series, would take place in a Tokyo-esque locale. Rockstar Games has not confirmed this as of yet. This means that the setting for the next Grand Theft Auto game could be anywhere...or anytime.

Texas

Chicago (Prohibition-Era)

London

The Future

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The state of Texas, or a Texan-themed setting would make for an interesting concept in Grand Theft Auto 5. For starters, it is definitley a change of scenery from the urban environments of Grand Theft Auto IV and Chinatown Wars. The game could incorporate the desert, prairieland, and steppe regions of the state into the game's fictional geography.

Another aspect of Texas that could be included in Grand Theft Auto 5 would be the border situation. I think it be interesting to tie the border dispute into the story. Of course there is the obvious negative part: running drugs and whatnot. But the game could also touch on immigration issues and other relevant political and social issues.

Prohibition-era Chicago would make a great setting for Grand Theft Auto 5, as well. The environment would be radically different from any Grand Theft Auto game released thus far. All the architecture, vehicles, weaponry and dialogue would be reminiscient of the early 1920's and movies like The Untouchables.

The enactment of Prohibition led to new crimes like bootlegging and mob activity, so it is entirely possible that a Grand Theft Auto game could be developed around this theme. There could even be characters representing notorious Prohibition criminals like Bugs Malone and Al Capone in the game, as well.

The only problem I can forsee with using this setting is the music. The radio station music made famous in previous Grand Theft Auto games might be somewhat lacking because there were only so many genres available at the time. Still, it would make for a very fulfilling gaming experience.

There were two expansion packs released for the original Grand Theft Auto that took place in London. Seeing as how Liberty City has been the setting for several games in the series, I don't think it would be too unbelievable if the next GTA took place in good old London, England one more time.

How cool would it be to "commandeer" a double-decker bus while listening to The Rolling Stones and pancaking London cop cars? Maybe the storyline could have the protagonist working for secrety societies operating out of London as well?

Taking place in a London-themed environment, I think Grand Theft Auto 5 should have more emphasis on air travel than in previous games. You should be able to actually enter airports, and book flights to other parts of the city, or possible to places outside the city limits.

Grand Theft Auto in the future...could it work? Of course it could. In fact, it might be one of the best choices for a setting. Everything from the vehicles to the weapons, to the music would have to reflect the futuristic tone, however.

Flying cars might be tricky to implement into a game where one of the main features is vehicle theft. That could easily be solved by implementing an improved lock-on system and by giving the main character a jetpack to enhance travel.

The Grand Theft Auto series has come a long way since its first incarnation. Amidst all the controversy and questionable gameplay decisions, Rockstar Games has molded one of the definitive gaming experiences for its consumers. 

I have high hopes for the next GTA, and if the past is any indicator, they will not only be met but also surpassed.