The MCU is often pointed out about how the studio could build such a massive connected universe, while Rockstar Games has done the same with GTA.
The GTA franchise, in many ways, represents the best that the AAA gaming industry can offer in terms of quality, scale and value. One of the biggest successes of the franchise has been telling individual and independent stories, while being able to tie them all together.
That is, each game takes place in the same universe and the characters appear in several games. Depending on the timeline, the characters are usually younger or older than when they first appeared.
5 GTA 5 characters who appeared in previous games in the franchise
5) Johnny Klebitz
Perhaps in what has become one of the most iconic character introductions in a video game, Johnny Klebitz from GTA IV: The Lost and Damned knows its rather unfortunate and brutal ending. While not a straight arrow by any means during the expansion of GTA IV, Johnny is really out of the tracks during the Grand Theft Auto events.
Johnny is nothing more than a shell of the man he used to be and finds himself at the mercy of his addictions. After entering into an altercation with Trevor, the character has his head brutally stamped on the ground.
4) Michelle / Karen
One of the biggest deviations dragged by Rockstar Games into GTA IV is the revelation that Michelle, whose real name is Karen, was indeed a covert IAA agent. The revelation ends with the breakup of Niko and Karen, and was not seen for the rest of the game.
However, during the “By the Book” mission in GTA 5, he appears as the agent who asks K and threatens him with a flashlight. A cameo adds weight to a connected universe.
3) Patrick “Packie” McReary
Perhaps one of the best missions in GTA history, Grand Theft Auto IV’s “Three-Leaf Clover” laid the groundwork for the Heist system in Grand Theft Auto V. One of the most enjoyable presences during the mission and the rest of The Game is Packie McCreary.
During a random event in GTA 5, he appears where the player encounters two men hooked on a pharmacy. The player can choose to drive them to safety. He will be available as a gunman for Heists in the game, which is neat.
2) Rocco Pelosi
Rocco Pelosi, who initially appears in the franchise as one of the main villains of GTA IV, is an incessantly annoying and despicable character. So when it gets into oblivion at the hands of Michael in GTA 5, it feels more satisfying.
He appeared in the game as a talented agent trying to scare the actor and director Richard Solomon. Michael slows down his plans with the aforementioned punch and brings the talent back to Richard.
1) Lazlow
Only by the number of credited appearances, Lazlow has probably appeared numerous times throughout the franchise. Initially only appearing as a radio presenter, Lazlow appears as a fictional version of himself on GTA 5. He is the presenter of the famous reality TV show Fame or Shame.
His appearance in the game was extremely stifled as he played an extremely exaggerated version of himself. Aside from his acting, Lazlow had also been involved in the GTA GTA creative process in terms of writing.
He would also continue to work on Red Dead Redemption 2 as a writer and audio director.