Former Grand Theft Auto Voice Actor Lazlow Jones, Now Working on New Fiction Universes

by Arthur Herring
in Featured, News, Release
on 8 June 2024

Lazlow Jones, the iconic voice behind Grand Theft Auto III’s Chatterbox FM and Vice City’s V-Rock radio stations, is now embarking on a new creative journey. While Lazlow has featured in every main line GTA game to date, his contributions extend far beyond being an obnoxious fictional radio host.

As a key part of the writing team at Rockstar Games, Lazlow has been involved in every major release from Grand Theft Auto III to Red Dead Redemption 2. However, he has now transitioned to a new company called Absurd Ventures, alongside former Rockstar head Dan Houser. Together, they are working on creating new fiction universes that will be brought to life through audio, graphic novels, and potentially video games.

Their first project, titled “A Better Paradise Part One: An Aftermath,” is an audio drama set in the 2030s. It follows the story of a video game developer who creates an AI to provide players with unique experiences, but things take a dark turn. The show, starring Andrew Lincoln, Paterson Joseph, Shamier Anderson, and Rain Spencer, is set to release on June 10th.

Reflecting on his time at Rockstar, Lazlow fondly remembers collaborating with Dan Houser on various projects. From casting to motion capture and directing in-game television and cartoons, the duo worked closely together to create immersive experiences for players.

Lazlow’s most recognizable contribution to the GTA series comes from his appearances on the game’s iconic radio stations. He enlisted friends, neighbors, and even children from his street to lend their voices to the various radio personalities. Little did they know at the time that these minor celebrities would contribute to the game’s massive success.

Lazlow’s experience also includes producing fictional ads for GTA III, where he recruited friends from the radio industry and had Dan Houser listen to the recordings live. This collaborative process allowed for greater creative freedom and resulted in memorable radio and TV commercials.

In Grand Theft Auto V, Lazlow’s involvement reached new heights as he became a motion captured 3D character. The experience gave him a newfound respect for the intricacies of motion capture, which involved wearing a skin-tight bodysuit with ping pong balls and enduring the physical demands of the process.

As Lazlow continues his creative journey, he looks back on his time with Dan Houser and acknowledges the importance of comedy in their work. Collaborating for over 23 years, they have honed their skills in creating memorable characters and compelling storylines. Lazlow also enjoyed the immersive nature of working on Red Dead Redemption 2, where extensive research immersed him in the 1899 setting.

While Lazlow’s voice may no longer be heard in future GTA games, his contributions to the gaming industry and his dedication to storytelling will continue to shape new universes in the years to come.

Additional relevant facts:
1. Lazlow Jones not only worked on the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series but also appeared in other Rockstar games like Bully, Max Payne 3, and Red Dead Redemption.
2. Apart from his work in the gaming industry, Lazlow has also been involved in radio hosting, co-hosting shows such as Technofile America and The Lazlow Show.
3. Lazlow was known for his improvisation skills during his work on the GTA radio stations, bringing a realistic and humorous element to the game.
4. Lazlow’s departure from Rockstar Games came after the release of Red Dead Redemption 2, where he decided to explore new creative opportunities.
5. At Absurd Ventures, Lazlow is focused on creating new fiction universes through different mediums, including audio, graphic novels, and potentially video games.

Key questions:
1. What is Lazlow Jones’ role in Absurd Ventures?
Lazlow Jones is a key creative figure in Absurd Ventures, working alongside former Rockstar head Dan Houser to create new fiction universes through various mediums.

2. What is Lazlow’s first project at Absurd Ventures?
Lazlow’s first project titled “A Better Paradise Part One: An Aftermath” is an audio drama set in the 2030s, exploring the story of a video game developer who creates an AI with unexpected consequences.

Key challenges or controversies:
1. Lazlow’s departure from Rockstar Games and the GTA series raised questions about the future of the radio stations in future installments.
2. The transition from working on highly successful gaming franchises to creating new fiction universes might pose challenges in terms of audience reception and market demand.

Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
1. Lazlow’s extensive experience in the gaming industry, particularly in creating immersive experiences through storytelling, will be a valuable asset in developing new fiction universes.
2. The collaboration between Lazlow and Dan Houser, who have worked together for over 23 years, brings a strong creative partnership and mutual understanding.

Disadvantages:
1. Moving away from established gaming franchises like GTA may require extra effort to gain recognition and success in new ventures.
2. The absence of Lazlow’s iconic voice in future GTA games might be a disappointment for fans who have come to associate his work with the series.

The source of the article is from the blog kunsthuisoaleer.nl