Stephen Bliss discusses his visual influence on Grand Theft Auto

Former Rockstar Games artist Stephen Bliss has reflected on his role in defining the iconic visual style of the Grand Theft Auto series. During an interview at the Lucca Comics and Games festival, Bliss, who worked at Rockstar from 2001 to 2016, noted that elements of his original designs appear to be present in the cover art for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6.

Bliss specifically highlighted the use of the signature grid layout and the placement of a helicopter in the upper left corner, noting that these were design choices he helped develop. While he expressed being flattered by this continued legacy, he emphasized that the new art has its own unique language.

Bliss also shared his desire to establish an independent artistic identity outside of the Rockstar brand, focusing on fine arts and personal projects. He credited other artists, such as Anthony Macbain and Steven Olds, for their significant contributions to the franchise's aesthetic, noting that he does not wish to take sole credit for the series' visual identity.