Key information
The existence of the Grand Theft Auto franchise was nearly prevented during the mid-90s. DMA Design, the studio behind Lemmings, was developing a project titled Race N' Chase, which focused on a cops-and-robbers theme involving street racing and police pursuits.
Development faced significant hurdles, including vehicle control issues and poor stability. BMG Interactive considered canceling the project because the gameplay was not considered fun, leaving the title stagnant after years of work.
The project's trajectory shifted due to a coding bug that caused police vehicles to behave erratically. Instead of following the player at a safe distance, the AI attempted to reach the exact center of the player's vehicle, resulting in violent collisions and aggressive ramming tactics.
Rather than fixing the error, the development team observed that testers enjoyed the chaotic experience. This aggressive police behavior was refined and became the core mechanic of the game, effectively transforming Race N' Chase into the first Grand Theft Auto.
