A History of the 'Vice City' Setting

September 02, 2025

More Than Just a City

For many of us, the name "Vice City" isn't just a place; it's a feeling. It's neon-drenched nights, 80s synth-pop on the radio, and the pastel-suited chaos of a city built on crime. As we prepare to return, let's look back at the evolution of this iconic Rockstar setting.

The 2D Origins: GTA 1 (1997)

Believe it or not, our first visit to Vice City was from a top-down perspective. In the original Grand Theft Auto, Vice City was one of the three main locations, alongside Liberty City and San Andreas. It was a pixelated, simplified version of Miami, but the seeds were planted: the beaches, the water, and the vibe were all there, waiting to be expanded.

The Revolution: GTA: Vice City (2002)

This is the one we all remember. Set in 1986, this game defined the setting. It wasn't just a map; it was a time capsule. We followed Tommy Vercetti's rise from a small-time crook to a drug kingpin, all set against a backdrop of Scarface-level excess. The islands (Starfish Island!), the districts (Little Haiti, Little Havana), the landmarks (Malibu Club, Ocean View Hotel)—they all became legendary. The city itself was the main character.

The Portable Return: Vice City Stories (2006)

Set two years **before** Tommy's arrival, this prequel for the PSP (and later PS2) put us in the boots of Vic Vance. It showed us a rougher, less-developed version of the city we loved. We saw businesses being built, empires just beginning, and characters before they became the icons we knew. It added a new layer of lore, proving that Vice City had more stories to tell.

The Modern Era: GTA VI (2026)

And now, we're going back. The first trailer shows a modern, sprawling version of Vice City and the surrounding state of Leonida. It's not the 80s anymore. We see social media, modern cars, and a whole new generation of criminals. But the spirit is the same: the beaches, the neon, the chaotic "Florida Man" energy, and those unmistakable sunsets. It's a return home, and we can't wait to see how it's changed.