# Grand Theft Auto III cover art redesign

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/grand-theft-auto-iii-cover-art-redesign
> Updated: 2026-10-18T16:37:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser revealed that the cover art for Grand Theft Auto III was redesigned as a last-minute response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The original design, which featured imagery of burning buildings, was deemed inappropriate for release following the attacks.

To rectify this, artist Stephen Bliss created a fragmented, grid-based tile design over approximately two nights. This aesthetic change became the signature visual style for the entire Grand Theft Auto franchise. In addition to the visual redesign, the development team modified certain in-game dialogue and content to ensure sensitivity before the game's release in late 2001. The title is noted for popularizing the modern open-world sandbox model in the gaming industry.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Grand Theft Auto III cover art redesigned following September 11 attacks

The cover art for Grand Theft Auto III was redesigned in two days following the September 11 attacks to avoid controversial imagery, ultimately creating the series' iconic grid-style aesthetic.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/grand-theft-auto-iii-cover-art-redesigned-following-september-11-attacks

### 2026-10-13: Dan Houser reveals September 11 attacks changed GTA cover art

Former Rockstar Games co-founder Dan Houser revealed that the iconic Grand Theft Auto cover art style was created in two nights following the September 11 attacks to avoid offensive imagery.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dan-houser-reveals-september-11-attacks-changed-gta-cover-art

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Cite as: Grand Theft Auto III cover art redesign. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/grand-theft-auto-iii-cover-art-redesign