Steam Dev’s Viral GTA Clone Is The Perfect PS2 Throwback
A viral Steam game called Alaturka has captured players’ attention as an indie throwback to the PS2-era Grand Theft Auto games. Created by solo developer Bufuak on a “$0 budget,” the chaotic open-world title is set in 1970s Istanbul and draws heavy inspiration from early GTA entries. The game’s trailer gained significant traction on X (formerly Twitter) over the weekend, generating widespread interest in the gaming community.
Alaturka distinguishes itself through its Turkish cultural flavor and over-the-top gameplay style, offering players a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the PS2 era’s approach to open-world gaming. The game’s development on essentially no budget showcases the indie gaming scene’s creative potential and ability to produce engaging content without significant resources. As major publishers focus on the anticipated November 19 release of Grand Theft Auto 6, Alaturka’s viral success demonstrates ongoing player appetite for smaller-scale, character-driven open-world experiences inspired by classic gaming eras.
The timing of Alaturka’s viral moment comes as the industry prepares for GTA 6’s massive launch, which is expected to be one of the largest game releases in history. Despite the upcoming heavyweight entry in the genre, the reception of Bufuak’s project highlights a niche but passionate audience interested in indie interpretations of beloved game franchises and styles.