The Concept Creators' Lounge

[Nefarious Money Man]

On 6/2/2024 at 1:52 PM, Abel Corleone said:

@The Nefarious, do you have any other concepts you have made so far? I'd like to even have some consent to use a few writing tricks you have to properly flesh out my own concept. I might just change as well from Gravelli to Ancelotti, there could be some nuance added to them the way the Van Der Linde gang also did.

Yeah, my first concept has been linked already, but if you do a search for GTA Mob Rules, I link to my other two in there, one of which I made with my arch nemesis.

 

I've actually been writing quite a bit over the past few years, just not for GTA fanfics. I had a bit of a fall from grace a little over a year ago at a time when I was drinking almost every day and sniffing cocaine from Friday to Monday but I've been clean for some time now so maybe I might start doing a few bits and pieces on here again.

[JDawg_]

@One of Wisemen not bad, how are you? Have you finished your concepts completely yet?
 

@Abel Corleone I love your pfp, from what movie or show is it?

[Guest]

4 hours ago, JDawg_ said:

@One of Wisemen not bad, how are you? Have you finished your concepts completely yet?

Been occupied with real-life for last couple of months, so not much notable progress as of now.

[Guest]

On 6/2/2024 at 7:45 PM, psychedtfout said:

Yea i’ll do that instead, Leonida will feature 4 main cities i think and maybe 4 sub cities. Their will also be some made up cities in Leonida that don’t geographically exists in real life. Like ‘Little Venturas’ a Casino resort town which is sort of just one strip of Casinos & resorts. Cottonmouth is also another place which is a rural town, it’s where Jason and his family are from. It’s positioned some where above the Quagmires & Hamlet but not too close to VC either. I will take note on what you said, i’ll try to tease as much as i can 

Have you searched about Hallandale Beach and Miccosukee Casino? They are gambling havens in South Florida. You can use either place instead of making the Little Venturas.

 

On 6/5/2024 at 4:28 PM, GrudgefromSanAndreas said:

well i sorta have a premise: Vice City set within 3 periods (1987, 1996 and 2002); story would be about a war veteran turned goth who had his goth gf kidnapped in 1987 by Cuban mob, then in 1996 he finds out they turned her into a prostitute who happens to sell drugs, but bc of how protag was involved with other gangs he ends up in prison, gets released in 2002 and seeks revenge

that might be a weak premise but i had several versions in mind and im not sure if this is a good start. i just really wanna make a story about what if goths end up in criminal underworld or at least 2 goths

Apologize for not replying right away, thanks for reminding me.

 

First of all, what inspired the concept?

 

Goth isn't a thing that I know a lot about. But, hey, if you really want a goth love story, then why don't go all in? It may sound silly at first, but you have a chance to make a unique goth-themed GTA that explore every facet of that subculture.

 

However, I don't think Vice City will be an ideal location for this matter. You'd probably want to pick London instead, where goth subculture really evolved, especially with the gothic rock music scene from late 70s to early 80s. I'd suggest you to set the story backward by a decade so you can cover the 70s period as well.

 

Also worth to mention that goth fashion is largerly influenced by Victorian and Elizabethan periods, so the protagonist won't be really out-of-place with his styling.

 

Plus, London is filled with buildings of gothic architecture like the Westminister Palace and St. Pancras Railway Station. The city has the kind of dark environment where you can literally feel living within a gothic wonderland. I can't feel the same with a sunny Vice City.

 

How about the crimes? Oh boy, the 70s and 80s London was something else. I'm not very knowledgable about it tbh, but I know it was a wild times for the capital's underworld. I mean there's already a concept about it that can inspire you.

[Nefarious Money Man]

Would people be interested if I posted a writing tutorial?? Would love to pull in a couple of the other writers here, and maybe they can contribute.

[AlexandriaAT2001]

It took me a while to really get into the story side of things, but now I always summarize the storyline and characters. It gives me a reason to do all the nostalgia-driven concepts I'm planning on writing.

 

Also, most of concepts I have are set in the state of Liberty lol. All I'll say for now is that I'm diving into the social and political state of the state of Liberty in certain years. The main reason I'm writing them though is intrigue (one of them) and nostalgia (the others.) As for why they're set in Liberty... I just like NYC and am willing to go over the entirety of the state of New York and comment on the state of American society in certain years (The working title for the series is The State of Liberty, so yes, I'm going for a triple pun with the word "state.")

 

So far, two concepts I'm writing, including my favourite one, aren't set in Liberty, but one of them is still me processing nostalgia. The other is a modern set concept. At some point I might do a Leonida concept, but that'll be after I've experienced and become familiar with the state in GTA 6.

 

The thing I love the most will always be the music. What songs fit the real-world setting? What songs fit the concept's atmosphere? Curating radio station lists based off of those questions is always a fun thing to do. So, while I like listing the weapons, listing the available tech, listing the parodied media the characters would be able to watch on TV, etc. I love curating the radio stations. A bonus is choosing the trailer songs and the protagonist's favourite radio stations. Music can add character to the characters, setting, storyline, etc.

Edited June 9, 2024 by AlexandriaAT2001

[Abel Corleone]

 

On 6/7/2024 at 5:41 AM, JDawg_ said:

@Abel Corleone I love your pfp, from what movie or show is it?

It's from a 2014 movie called A Most Violent Year. Really underrated but pretty good movie starring Oscar Isaac (and Jessica Chastain).

[GrudgefromSanAndreas]

I think I'm gonna do some alternate history concepts. That way I have more freedom over story and I hope I will stand out among the concept creators. But I'm not sure when I will have time...

[Abel Corleone]

On 6/7/2024 at 4:39 AM, The Nefarious said:

I've actually been writing quite a bit over the past few years, just not for GTA fanfics. I had a bit of a fall from grace a little over a year ago at a time when I was drinking almost every day and sniffing cocaine from Friday to Monday but I've been clean for some time now so maybe I might start doing a few bits and pieces on here again.

Just knowing about this now, I'm glad some progress is being made around recently for you man. God bless to you.

[thechainpuller91]

16 hours ago, GrudgefromSanAndreas said:

I think I'm gonna do some alternate history concepts. That way I have more freedom over story and I hope I will stand out among the concept creators. But I'm not sure when I will have time...

I love the idea of a gta set in an alternate history timeline and I'm really curious what it would look like from a crime perspective. The alternate history works I've mostly seen usually revolve around military or political situations, but one thing i as a crime buff and diehard gta fan usually get interested in that's never really elaborated that much in most alternate history works such as man in the high castle, wolfenstein, etc is what the gangland and criminal underworld would look like in these alternate worlds. With that being said, if you ever find the time to write those concepts i would be really excited to see what an alternate history gta game would look like and i do think we need more unique concepts that stick out like that. 

[Guest]

17 hours ago, GrudgefromSanAndreas said:

I think I'm gonna do some alternate history concepts. That way I have more freedom over story and I hope I will stand out among the concept creators. But I'm not sure when I will have time...

"GTA What If...?" right?

 

How about the goth story, though? Now that I have written about "London period piece with goth protagonist", I need to see this kind of random, but intriguing thought happens 

 

22 hours ago, AlexandriaAT2001 said:

So far, two concepts I'm writing, including my favourite one, aren't set in Liberty, but one of them is still me processing nostalgia. The other is a modern set concept. At some point I might do a Leonida concept, but that'll be after I've experienced and become familiar with the state in GTA 6.

Which one is nearly finished? The favorite or the modern setting one?

 

Actually I'd have suggested you to work the former first since you like it more. But if the latter one is in a more ready-to-show state, then go for it first.

 

Anyway, welcome!

 

On 6/9/2024 at 3:29 AM, The Nefarious said:

Would people be interested if I posted a writing tutorial?? Would love to pull in a couple of the other writers here, and maybe they can contribute.

Why not? I have some tutorial ideas too, a refereshed take of the guide in this lounge's opening post.

[GrudgefromSanAndreas]

9 hours ago, One of Wisemen said:

How about the goth story, though? Now that I have written about "London period piece with goth protagonist", I need to see this kind of random, but intriguing thought happens 

 

thing about London it was too obvious setting for a goth story. i wanted a story revolving around 2 goths in VC cause thats unusual, i also wanted to include 2 sets of goth gangs in the concept and an emo gang, there would still be Colombians, Cubans etc but also some gangs from Yugoslavia, Balkan and Hungary. in fact, i was thinking of a protag of Serbian and Slovenian descent, kinda like a goth Niko in Vice City in an alternate timeline

[psychedtfout]

On 6/8/2024 at 4:29 PM, The Nefarious said:

Would people be interested if I posted a writing tutorial?? Would love to pull in a couple of the other writers here, and maybe they can contribute.

yes brother, cook.  

 

Another thought that I have been having is writing a piece called Hell In Yugoslavia. Supposed to be a prequel story for Niko Bellic. The only thing about this prologue game is that it’s not GTA-esque. Plays more like TLOU2 or Uncharted? You get your gameplay and you get your scenes but it’s nothing completely open world like a GTA game. Simply just a story game.

[psychedtfout]

On 6/7/2024 at 5:45 AM, One of Wisemen said:

Have you searched about Hallandale Beach and Miccosukee Casino? They are gambling havens in South Florida. You can use either place instead of making the Little Venturas.

 

Apologize for not replying right away, thanks for reminding me.

 

First of all, what inspired the concept?

 

Goth isn't a thing that I know a lot about. But, hey, if you really want a goth love story, then why don't go all in? It may sound silly at first, but you have a chance to make a unique goth-themed GTA that explore every facet of that subculture.

 

However, I don't think Vice City will be an ideal location for this matter. You'd probably want to pick London instead, where goth subculture really evolved, especially with the gothic rock music scene from late 70s to early 80s. I'd suggest you to set the story backward by a decade so you can cover the 70s period as well.

 

Also worth to mention that goth fashion is largerly influenced by Victorian and Elizabethan periods, so the protagonist won't be really out-of-place with his styling.

 

Plus, London is filled with buildings of gothic architecture like the Westminister Palace and St. Pancras Railway Station. The city has the kind of dark environment where you can literally feel living within a gothic wonderland. I can't feel the same with a sunny Vice City.

 

How about the crimes? Oh boy, the 70s and 80s London was something else. I'm not very knowledgable about it tbh, but I know it was a wild times for the capital's underworld. I mean there's already a concept about it that can inspire you.

Will be doing research indeed, I plan to have some mafia storyline taking place there. Maybe connecting back to LC or LV, as I do plan to have the two protagonists venture out to LC at some point. Still don’t know what their storyline could be I know they’re expanding the business especially since (*spoiler*) a hurricane hits Leonida in ch4. So they need new business elsewhere for mean time. I thought maybe the mafia in the casino region of VC/Leonida could help us get connected with a couple people in LC to do jobs for. Anyone know some good references I can use for my modern day Liberty City setting (2019-2024) on arrival it would also be winter time setting up perfect gritty environment. Would the gambettis be around? The Commission? Could see returning characters like maybe Elizabeta Torres but maybe she’s still behind bars or got out left that life behind her and works with her sister Monique. Could be interesting seeing Lucia grouped along with the two on a main or side mission in LC. Gerry could return aswell at first giving you missions from prison then eventually being released. 

Edited June 10, 2024 by psychedtfout

[AlexandriaAT2001]

12 hours ago, One of Wisemen said:

Which one is nearly finished? The favorite or the modern setting one?

 

Actually I'd have suggested you to work the former first since you like it more. But if the latter one is in a more ready-to-show state, then go for it first.

 

Anyway, welcome!

My favourite one is the modern set one, which is set outside of Liberty. It'll be posted in September, but I'm also planning online dlc concepts for it, which take place in the months proceeding September.

 

Also, the discussion about writing guides makes me want to write a guide on how to curate GTA-style soundtracks.

[Guest]

On 6/10/2024 at 6:18 PM, GrudgefromSanAndreas said:

thing about London it was too obvious setting for a goth story. i wanted a story revolving around 2 goths in VC cause thats unusual, i also wanted to include 2 sets of goth gangs in the concept and an emo gang, there would still be Colombians, Cubans etc but also some gangs from Yugoslavia, Balkan and Hungary. in fact, i was thinking of a protag of Serbian and Slovenian descent, kinda like a goth Niko in Vice City in an alternate timeline

Sounds wild, not really my taste but go ahead.

 

I think I'll save the London idea in my bookshelf. Who knows I'll revisit it in the future? 

 

23 hours ago, psychedtfout said:

Would the gambettis be around? The Commission?

The five NYC families did have businesses in Florida ever since Trafficante declared it as an open territory, but their presence is pretty minor.

 

22 hours ago, AlexandriaAT2001 said:

My favourite one is the modern set one, which is set outside of Liberty. It'll be posted in September, but I'm also planning online dlc concepts for it, which take place in the months proceeding September.

September 2024, I will be there, no matter what

[AlexandriaAT2001]

2 hours ago, One of Wisemen said:

September 2024, I will be there, no matter what

Great!

 

Do you know where I should post my GTA-style soundtrack curation guide (once I finish writing it, that is)?

[Guest]

On 6/11/2024 at 11:10 PM, AlexandriaAT2001 said:

Do you know where I should post my GTA-style soundtrack curation guide (once I finish writing it, that is)?

It's not rare for us to discuss radio stations and musics in this lounge, but such tutorial is more ideally to be posted on the "Create Your Own Radio Stations" IMO.

 

Problem is, the thread by @Testarossa is already a decade old and is broken by the forums' updates. There's probably hundreds of embedded Youtube videos that will lag your browser. I wonder if it's possible for us to refresh, make a fresh thread with your guide as the opening post and clear rules like "do not embed Youtube hyperlink".

[Guest]

Exploring through the dense jungle of pre-2014 concepts, I find this. Not the most fleshed out, but the gameplay ideas are worth reading, like it's ahead of its time.

[Kiro Ivo]

5 hours ago, One of Wisemen said:

Exploring through the dense jungle of pre-2014 concepts, I find this. Not the most fleshed out, but the gameplay ideas are worth reading, like it's ahead of its time.

 

Oh, what a sense of nostalgia! 

2011...

 

[GrudgefromSanAndreas]

i wonder if i can make concepts of totally different genres like rpg, spy fiction, cyberpunk etc of non-gta games in the gta series section as im not sure theres any other section with tag "concept"

[Guest]

18 hours ago, GrudgefromSanAndreas said:

i wonder if i can make concepts of totally different genres like rpg, spy fiction, cyberpunk etc of non-gta games in the gta series section as im not sure theres any other section with tag "concept"

Well, I think as we're in "GTA"Forums, we are limited to concepts related to GTA, RDR, or other Rockstar games.

[GrudgefromSanAndreas]

1 hour ago, One of Wisemen said:

Well, I think as we're in "GTA"Forums, we are limited to concepts related to GTA, RDR, or other Rockstar games.

Well, I don't feel like making another account on a fanon wiki just to write a concept. I can't even find a wiki where anyone can make concepts about any game they want, I only find specific franchises fanons. I was thinking of making a concept for a new IP about Yugoslavia set in 1989, sth like spy fiction. Where am I supposed to realize this?!

[Guest]

11 hours ago, GrudgefromSanAndreas said:

Well, I don't feel like making another account on a fanon wiki just to write a concept. I can't even find a wiki where anyone can make concepts about any game they want, I only find specific franchises fanons. I was thinking of making a concept for a new IP about Yugoslavia set in 1989, sth like spy fiction. Where am I supposed to realize this?!

Actually, the Writer's Discussions subforum allows us to write story/poem about anything, not just GTA. I've been reading few non-Rockstar related works there. Better post there instead.

 

Duh, I forgot WD exists for a moment. It is barely active now.

Edited June 16, 2024 by One of Wisemen

[Abel Corleone]

Ok, some updates on my The Gentlemen Of Liberty story...

 

I'm considering perhaps 2 love interests for Sam. After some private discussions with @The Nefarious, Sam has been reconsidered into Tony Black's son who inherits the Ancelotti's estate and crime family as he gets married to Gracie Ancelotti. But due to the self-centeredness, annoying attitude, and infidelity of Gracie, he would actually have a mistress inspired by a Susie Glass type character. I don't know, regarding other characters who are to be established and are established, there's gotta be ones like an antagonist who could serve as the perfect antithesis to Sam and also a good moral compass to him.

Edited June 17, 2024 by Abel Corleone

[TheHoover69]

I have an idea for a new concept I'll begin working on at some point whenever I finish with my VI story concept.

 

It's going to be set in the American Southwest, particularly in fictionalized versions of the states of Arizona and New Mexico, somewhere between the events of GTA IV and V in 2010 to 2011. It's going to be partially inspired by the real-life events surrounding the Catt family. 

 

The story will follow a broken, dysfunctional family consisting of an alcoholic ex-bank robber father, his criminal son recently released from prison, and his innocent daughter as they become embroiled in a life of crime in order to get out of a dangerous loan shark's debt. All the while, they're trying to maintain their image of a hard-working, yet struggling working class family dealing with the effects of one of the worst financial crises in American history. 

[CrumMunchers]

So, I decided to scratch and essentially restart my VI concept from the ground up, and I've currently been going through the process of coming up with different elements to the concept along with returning aspects from prior, but I'm having some trouble organizing different sections of it.

 

I know there's going to be sections I will add for sure like vehicles or radio stations, but how would you guys suggest going about the introductory aspects of the concept? Would you include the basic elements like characters or the setting, or would those just be separate sections as well? Idk if I'm making much sense with what I'm asking about, but I hope someone could help break this part down a bit more.

 

On 6/8/2024 at 10:02 PM, AlexandriaAT2001 said:

The thing I love the most will always be the music. What songs fit the real-world setting? What songs fit the concept's atmosphere? Curating radio station lists based off of those questions is always a fun thing to do. A bonus is choosing the trailer songs and the protagonist's favourite radio stations. Music can add character to the characters, setting, storyline, etc.

On 6/11/2024 at 11:10 AM, AlexandriaAT2001 said:

Do you know where I should post my GTA-style soundtrack curation guide (once I finish writing it, that is)?

This would probably be a really big help, I'm constantly updating different concept stations I came up with for VI since it doesn't necessarily feel like they have the proper "balance" in some of them (e.g. some too popular, some feel too on the nose despite being "fitting", etc) that Rockstar usually have with their stations

[psychedtfout]

An internal issue i’ve been having with my concept is deciding on how big the drug dealing is going to be. As we all know Miami in the 80s was the capital for cocaine & murder. I want the couple to dive deep into working with a cartel that controls a majority of the drugs that come into Leonida, with markets all over the east coast. The thing is i’m wondering do I some sort of recreation of the Miami Drug Wars circa 1979-1986 but in a modern representation? Or make a complete more ambitious cartel story. 

 

Since Cuba and the Bahamas are the only other locations in the game besides Leonida, Ive decided to make the main connect and cartel be of Cuban descent. The toughest cartel and they’re responsible for most of the drug trade down south. 
 

Cartels are interesting as of now because most of the prominent ones now are mostly mexican cartels not Cuban cartels or Southern American. Not saying they aren’t big but not as Mexican cartels today. But with the story taking place in Leonida, Cuba seems to be the closer place for the couple to smuggle drugs in from. 

[Guest]

I'd like to share my concept ideas bank deposit in case I forget it.

• Late 60s to Early 70s Chicago/Brannigan - A prequel to Bloodsales. The plan is to follow a younger Matthew Quirk, mercenary-for-hire who's hired by a white family in Brannigan to assist them during the White flight. The theme can be more political than usual GTAs.
• 70s or 80s London - Talked about this not long ago. Now I'm thinking of a Punk theme rather than Gothic to make it different from @GrudgefromSanAndreas' idea. London can be depicted as a dream-like, horror-esque setting.
• Early 90s Moscow - Another non-America location that has the potential. Returning GTA IV and L&S characters in their youth as they faced a national crisis. Initially I planned this a sequel to Bloodsales, with the protagonist being a Russian immigrant who moved from Moscow to Brannigan, but that'll be way too similar to Brat 2.
• 1988-2004 Rural Midwest - GTA V's prequel that we all wanted, entitled American Mongols. Six chapters of Trevor, Michael, and Brad making it as most wanted bank robbers. Multiple states setting without big cities. At one point, I was thinking of merging this with a concept in GTAFanon Wiki and renamed it "Avalanche", but I find it more difficult.

Not sure if I'll execute these ideas, but they are my interests that can inspire others.

 

Unlike L&S and Bloodsales, I'm considering a format like what @TheHoover69 has used in his GTA VI concept if I ever present them. Just a main story with other gimmicks explained within. Radio stations can be replaced by a single or two playlists that cover different genres at once. We may go full David Chase with little to no graphics.

 

And a message to everyone: if you have gone far, don't let your concept's fate hanging in uncertainity. Polished ideas were made in this lounge, but some never made it into the light. When your concept already has at least a brief synopsis, a storyline plan, a list of main characters bios, and a description of the setting; when it's no longer a bare jumbled wishlist of a dream GTA; then it's safer to make it a thread. Gameplay ideas, music, and extra visual cosmetics can follow.

 

On 6/17/2024 at 4:01 PM, Abel Corleone said:

I'm considering perhaps 2 love interests for Sam. After some private discussions with @The Nefarious, Sam has been reconsidered into Tony Black's son who inherits the Ancelotti's estate and crime family as he gets married to Gracie Ancelotti. But due to the self-centeredness, annoying attitude, and infidelity of Gracie, he would actually have a mistress inspired by a Susie Glass type character. I don't know, regarding other characters who are to be established and are established, there's gotta be ones like an antagonist who could serve as the perfect antithesis to Sam and also a good moral compass to him.

Love triangle confirmed?

 

Btw, don't forget that while Gracie might not be the best in business, she is a well-connected character. She befriended Gay Tony and the LCPD record said that she's linked with many Capos and Underbosses. She can act as Sam Spoleto's bridge to potential business associates and members of other mobs, though ironically, because of her lifestyle.

 

18 hours ago, TheHoover69 said:

I have an idea for a new concept I'll begin working on at some point whenever I finish with my VI story concept.

 

It's going to be set in the American Southwest, particularly in fictionalized versions of the states of Arizona and New Mexico, somewhere between the events of GTA IV and V in 2010 to 2011. It's going to be partially inspired by the real-life events surrounding the Catt family. 

 

The story will follow a broken, dysfunctional family consisting of an alcoholic ex-bank robber father, his criminal son recently released from prison, and his innocent daughter as they become embroiled in a life of crime in order to get out of a dangerous loan shark's debt. All the while, they're trying to maintain their image of a hard-working, yet struggling working class family dealing with the effects of one of the worst financial crises in American history. 

Sounds like Michael Townley if he embraces his past and grooms Jimmy and Tracey into heist crew members.

 

If you're seeking more inspirations, I will recommend The Riches series, it's about a family of nomadic scam artists. Have you read The Grapes of Wrath too? Rockstar loves classical literature, and this one is about a family's struggle. Coincidentally, the son has also just been released from prison.

 

Also, if you guys see a "GTA VI story leak" docs floating around, please mention the real deal. If they ask what a concept is, share the GTANet article 

Edited June 18, 2024 by One of Wisemen

[Guest]

15 hours ago, CrumMunchers said:

So, I decided to scratch and essentially restart my VI concept from the ground up, and I've currently been going through the process of coming up with different elements to the concept along with returning aspects from prior, but I'm having some trouble organizing different sections of it.

 

I know there's going to be sections I will add for sure like vehicles or radio stations, but how would you guys suggest going about the introductory aspects of the concept? Would you include the basic elements like characters or the setting, or would those just be separate sections as well? Idk if I'm making much sense with what I'm asking about, but I hope someone could help break this part down a bit more.

Lets look at one of simple concepts here. Take Badfellas by @Francesco Bonomo.

 

We starts with a premise, two short paragraphs that summarize what the concept is about, where and when it takes place, who we're playing as. "Liberty City, 1985 and 1986... follow the story of Lucio "Lucky" Goterelli. A seasoned veteran of the Clancio Crime Family... witness Lucky go through many trails and tribulations as friendships break and betrayal is upon."

 

What follows are further details of what the premise has teased. We know we play as Lucky, but who is he actually? What he does for living in the mafia? Who are his allies and enemies? We know we're in Liberty City, but how does it look like? Is there any new area? What are the places based on?

 

Usually, a concept opens up with something like that: the story synopsis, the main characters, and the setting. 

 

For introduction, you can also include an aspect that you feel is very integral/important to the concept. For L&S, I explain the confidence trick gameplay mechanics earlier because the whole concept is built around it.

 

Or you can also include something that can boost our immersion into your work. For example, Vice City Origins has the radio stations list at top. This is not only because it sets in the 80s, but because @The Coconut Kid wanted to take the reader back to that past era.

 

Or you can simply right away jump into the story. Like All In The Game opens with the first story chapter before listing the lead characters, or @TheHoover69's VI concept that introduces the characters and gameplay features as the story unfolds.