Original GTA creators to reunite in Dundee for Games Day 2026

The original architects of the Grand Theft Auto series will return to the city where the franchise began for a landmark industry gathering in September 2026. The reunion serves as the centerpiece of Games Day 2026, an event designed to bridge Scotland's gaming history with the future of the medium.

Scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026, at Water’s Edge in Dundee, the event is organized by the Scottish Game Developers Association (SGDA) with support from the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Fund. The highlight of the program is the 'GTA Origins' panel, which will feature original DMA Design pioneers Dave Jones, Colin Anderson, Mike Dailly, Keith Hamilton, Patrick Kerr, and Gary Penn. This gathering marks a rare assembly of the creative force behind one of the most successful entertainment properties in history.

A Legacy of Innovation

Grand Theft Auto originated in Dundee at DMA Design, the studio that eventually evolved into Rockstar North. From its humble beginnings in Scotland, the series grew into a global phenomenon, redefining the open-world genre and setting new benchmarks for commercial success. Games Day 2026 follows a previous successful collaboration with DICE Europe and is intended to act as a nexus for the industry, bringing together global leaders from giants like Ubisoft, EA, and Unity alongside local independent Scottish developers.

Industry Implications

The timing of the reunion is particularly significant, as it occurs just weeks before the scheduled November 19 launch of Grand Theft Auto 6. By bringing the original team back to Dundee, the SGDA aims to highlight the enduring global impact of the franchise and the historical importance of the Scottish games industry. Beyond the nostalgia, the event is positioned as a strategic forum for the current era of development. SGDA Chair Colin Macdonald stated that the event is about celebrating the industry's roots while "shaping where we’re going," noting that the reunion provides a unique opportunity to address critical modern challenges including studio sustainability, growth, and the integration of AI.

Looking Ahead

As the industry awaits the release of GTA 6, the focus in Dundee will remain on how the lessons of the past can inform future development. While the 'GTA Origins' panel provides a retrospective look at the series' birth, the broader event will seek to establish a roadmap for the next generation of Scottish studios. Observers will be watching to see how the discussions on AI and sustainability translate into policy and practice for the local ecosystem.