**Why the Original PC Version of GTA III Needs to Be on GOG and How It Changed 3D Gaming Forever**
The original *Grand Theft Auto III* for PC is a landmark title that transformed the gaming landscape when it was released in 2002. Bringing this legendary version to GOG is essential for both preservation and accessibility. Unlike remastered editions, the original PC release captures the raw, gritty essence of Liberty City with its uncensored soundtrack, radio stations, and character designs—elements that were altered or removed in later versions.
GTA III didn't just redefine its own series—it revolutionized 3D open-world gaming as a whole. It was the first game to give players a truly immersive sandbox city where you could drive, explore, and interact freely in a living, breathing world. It combined cinematic storytelling, a massive explorable environment, and emergent gameplay in a way that had never been done before.
Every major open-world game since owes something to GTA III’s design—whether it's *Assassin’s Creed*, *Saints Row*, *Watch Dogs*, or *Red Dead Redemption*. It laid the foundation for modern urban sandbox games and set a new standard for freedom in gameplay.
Releasing the original PC version on GOG would ensure that this historically important game is preserved in its purest form—without DRM, with full mod support, and optimized for today’s hardware. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about honoring one of the most important milestones in gaming history. GTA III on GOG is overdue.