The origin of the famous cinematic camera angle of the GTA series comes from a feature used on trains in GTA 3, the first 3D game of the series.
GTA While the unforgettable cinematic camera angle of the series gave players action-packed scenes, it turned out that this feature was originally designed for trains. Former Rockstar developer Obbe Vermeij announced that he made changes to the camera angles to make train journeys in GTA 3 more interesting. This idea was later adapted to vehicle driving and became one of the most popular features of the game.
The Birth of the Cinematic Camera in GTA 3
After Obbe Vermeij realized that train travel in GTA 3 was boring, he developed a cinematic mode that took advantage of random camera angles around the train tracks to attract players’ attention. This method was preferred because quickly jumping the train to the next stop would cause technical problems. The developer team decided to try this camera angle on vehicles, and the result was much more entertaining than expected.
When working on the train in gta3 I found riding it boring.
I considered letting the player jump ahead to the next station but this would cause streaming issues.Instead, I made the camera switch between random viewpoints near the track. This made the ride more interesting.… pic.twitter.com/pcl0Kd5ewo
— Obbe Vermeij (@ObbeVermeij) January 7, 2025
The cinematic camera was used without any changes in GTA Vice City and was remastered with GTA San Andreas. This feature has gained a permanent place in the gaming world as one of the innovative experiences Rockstar offers to players.
The cinematic camera of the GTA series won the appreciation of gamers by providing a movie-like experience in action-packed scenes. This camera angle, used especially in the chase scenes, increased both the visual and emotional impact of the game.
Rockstar stands out as a studio that shapes the open world genre with innovative features such as the cinematic camera. This feature, inspired by trains in GTA 3, was preserved in the subsequent games of the series and became an iconic element. After the first trailer of GTA 6 was released, players are eagerly waiting to see how such details will be developed in the new game. GTA’s cinematic camera proves once again how creative ideas can have a big impact in the gaming world. This approach of Rockstar has brought the series to a unique place in the eyes of the players.