GTA III is an action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar North and released in 2001. It is set in the fictional city of Liberty City, which is inspired by real-life locations like New York City. Players take on the role of Claude, a silent protagonist who navigates the criminal underworld, completing missions and engaging in various activities. The game is notable for its open-world design, allowing players to explore the city freely. It features a mix of driving, shooting, and role-playing elements, and it was one of the first games to popularize the open-world genre, influencing many future titles in the gaming industry.