The MCU is often pointed out about how the studio could build such a massive connected universe, while Rockstar Games did the same with GTA.
The GTA franchise, in many ways, represents the best that the AAA game industry has to offer in terms of quality, scale and value. One of the franchise’s greatest achievements was telling individual and independent stories, while being able to bring them together.
That is, each game takes place in the same universe and the characters appear in several games. Depending on the timeline, the characters are usually younger or older than when they first appeared.
5 characters in GTA 5 that appeared in previous games of the franchise
5) Johnny Klebitz
Perhaps in what has become one of the most iconic character introductions in a video game, Johnny Klebitz of GTA IV: The Lost and Damned finds its ending quite unhappy and brutal. While not a direct arrow at all during the expansion of GTA IV, Johnny is really off the rails during Grand Theft Auto events.
Johnny is just a shell of the man he used to be and finds himself at the mercy of his addictions. After entering an altercation with Trevor, the character has his head brutally stamped on the floor.
4) Michelle / Karen
One of the biggest detours made by Rockstar Games in GTA IV is the revelation that Michelle, whose real name is Karen, was in fact an undercover agent for the IAA. The revelation ends with Niko and Karen breaking up, and she is not seen for the rest of the game.
However, during the mission “By the Book” in GTA 5, she appears as the agent interrogating Mr. K and threatening him with a flashlight. A cameo adds weight to a connected universe.
3) Patrick “Packie” McReary
Perhaps one of the best missions in GTA history, “Three-Leaf Clover” by Grand Theft Auto IV laid the foundation for the Heist system in Grand Theft Auto V. One of the most enjoyable presences to have around during the mission and the rest of the game is Packie McCreary.
During a random event in GTA 5, it appears where the player encounters two men attacking a drugstore. The player can then choose to drive them to a safe location. It will be available as a Gunman for Heists in the game, which is cool.
2) Rocco Pelosi
Initially appearing in the franchise as one of the main villains of GTA IV, Rocco Pelosi is an incessantly irritating and despicable character. So when it is thrown into oblivion by Michael’s hands in GTA 5, the feeling is even more satisfying.
He appeared in the game as a talent agent trying to rip off actor and director Richard Solomon. Michael thwarts his plans with the punches mentioned above and sends the talent back to Richard.
1) Lazlow
Just by the number of credited appearances, Lazlow has probably appeared several times throughout the franchise. Initially appearing only as a radio host, Lazlow appears as a fictional version of himself in GTA 5. He is the host of the infamous reality show Fame or Shame.
His appearance in the game was extremely enchanted, as he played an extremely exaggerated version of himself. In addition to his performance, Lazlow was also involved in the creative process of GTA GTA in relation to writing.
He would also work on Red Dead Redemption 2 as a writer and audio director.