Why Colleges Are Teaching GTA History Ahead of GTA 6

GTA 6 Delay Leads to World’s First University-Level Grand Theft Auto History Class.A university in the United States will launch a history course centered on the Grand Theft Auto franchise. The class begins in January 2026 at the University of Tennessee. It will analyze modern American history through the lens of the iconic video game series.This academic offering arrives before the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI. The irony of a college class starting before the game’s launch is not lost on fans or the professor.

Professor Details Ambitious “Grand Theft America” Curriculum

The course is titled “Grand Theft America: U.S. History Since 1980 through the GTA Video Games.” Professor Tore Olsson will teach it. He designed the curriculum to use the games’ narratives and satire as a teaching tool.Olsson told IGN he originally planned to include GTA 6 in the syllabus. The game’s delay to 2026 made that impossible. He now relies on the rich material from the existing games.Professor Olsson has a history of creating courses based on video games. His previous work focused on Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption series. That project gained significant media attention for its innovative approach.

Broader Academic Trend Sees Value in Video Game Analysis

This move signals a growing acceptance of video games as serious cultural artifacts. Universities increasingly recognize their value for understanding society. Rockstar’s games are particularly noted for their detailed social commentary.Professor Olsson explained his choice of GTA to IGN. He said Rockstar games actively comment on the “unique strangeness of the American experiment.” This makes them a compelling framework for historical study.The course will examine themes like capitalism, crime, and pop culture. Students will compare in-game satire with real-world events from the last 50 years.

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The situation highlights a unique cultural moment. The prolonged GTA 6 delay has inadvertently created space for academic reflection on the series’ legacy before the next chapter even begins.

Dropping this nugget your way

Who is teaching the GTA history class?

Professor Tore Olsson is teaching the class. He is a history professor at the University of Tennessee known for his previous work on video game-based history.

When does the GTA college course start?

The “Grand Theft America” class is scheduled to begin on January 20, 2026. This is several months before the expected release of GTA 6 in May 2026.

Why create a university course about Grand Theft Auto?

Professor Olsson believes the games offer sharp commentary on American society. He uses their satire and historical settings to teach about real U.S. history since the 1980s.

Will the class cover GTA 6?

Not initially. The professor confirmed the game’s delay made including it in the spring 2026 syllabus impossible. He plans to integrate it into future versions of the course.

Is this the first video game class by this professor?

No. Professor Olsson previously created a popular course and audiobook based on the Red Dead Redemption series. That project was narrated by the game’s voice actor.