When people talk about Rockstar Games, GTA is usually the first franchise that comes to mind.
Its cultural impact is undeniable, with blockbuster sales, controversy-fueled headlines, and genre-defining open-world gameplay.
In fact, Rockstar’s upcoming GTA 6 frequently gets media attention for what is perhaps the longest wait for a video game sequel ever.
But while GTA was hogging the spotlight, another Rockstar series was quietly building its own racing legacy in the background: Midnight Club.
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Trailblazer for racing games
First released in 2000 for the PlayStation 2, Midnight Club: Street Racing introduced players to an open-world street racing experience long before it was the industry norm.
Set in a stylized version of New York City – and later London – the game didn’t offer just fast cars, but also the opportunity for players to race through traffic, dodge pedestrians, and show off their skills in a novel manner.
What truly set Midnight Club apart from other racing games of the time was its authenticity.
At a time when most competitors stuck to clean circuits or licensed tracks, Midnight Club dived deep into the gritty, chaotic energy of urban street racing.
Cars were customizable, the cityscapes were vibrant and sprawling, and the soundtrack pulsed with underground beats that matched the game’s rebellious tone.
With Midnight Club II and especially Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition, Rockstar doubled down.
The partnership with DUB Magazines added real-world credibility, with licensed vehicles from Mercedes, Nissan, and Cadillac, plus endless customization options.
For car enthusiasts growing up in the early 2000s, this was the holy grail: a game that let you build your dream ride, then put it to the test by racing in a free-roaming world against your friends.
Laid the foundation for games like GTA
While Need for Speed was refining its arcade polish, and Gran Turismo was delivering simulator realism, Midnight Club found a sweet spot in between.
For many young gamers, it became their first real introduction to car culture and racing games.
Despite its strong fanbase, Midnight Club has remained dormant since the release of 2009’s Midnight: Los Angeles Complete Edition.
This can largely be attributed to GTA‘s meteoric rise, which took most of Rockstar’s attention.
But the echoes of Midnight Club can still be felt today.
Games like Forza Horizon and Need for Speed: Heat owe a debt to the foundation it laid.
And every time a new GTA drops with tricked-out cars and high-speed chases – whenever that might be – you can thank Midnight Club for inspiring them.
Rockstar may not have announced a new instalment yet, but we can always hope.
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