In 2001, Rockstar Games launched the revolutionary ‘Grand Theft Auto III’ for the Playstation 2marking the beginning of the 3D era of the beloved franchise.
In addition to introducing efficient gameplay, the developers surprised players with a multitude of secrets hidden throughout the streets of Liberty City.
More than two decades later, one of the game’s biggest Easter eggs has finally been revealed. See more below!
Uncovering GTA III easter egg
If you’re a veteran of the series’GTA’you’ve certainly heard of the lunar Easter egg.
In all titles in the franchise, the tip is simple: grab a sniper, aim at the moon and watch what happens. It can increase in size or even decrease, depending on your aim.
Moon Easter egg in GTA III – Image: Grand Theft Auto Wiki / Reproduction
Earlier this month, former Rockstar North developer Obbe Vermeij revealed a series of fascinating details about the series’ production on his now-defunct blog.
Among the information shared, one curiosity left fans in an uproar: the mystery behind the moon Easter egg in ‘GTA III’.
According to Obbe, Rockstar artists provided a texture for the moon in the game. Everything seemed simple: place the star in the sky, ensure it was visible at night and set a reasonable size.
However, a few days later, artists requested changes to the size of the celestial body, triggering internal debates about ideal dimensions and the most appropriate design.
Faced with the lack of consensus, Obbe proposed an ingenious solution:
“I suggested that the size of the moon be variable in the game. That way, they could dI suggested making the size of the moon variable in the game. That way, they could decide in their own time and let me know the conclusion.
As I was working on the sniper rifle, I made the moon alternate between three sizes (small, medium, large) as the player aimed.”
This revelation offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creation of one of the games most iconic in history.
