# rust-theft-auto: reimplementing the original Grand Theft Auto engine

> rust-theft-auto reimplements the original Grand Theft Auto engine in Rust using map and style files from a player's installation. The source includes map structures, tile and style handling, and a renderer. Reimplementing gameplay and extending maps and missions are stated goals.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Game
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-09
- Original resource: <https://github.com/gaudecker/rust-theft-auto>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/gaudecker/rust-theft-auto/blob/8bdf0a18b2a4afbd2d093cba4f1de6fcc251b8bd/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/rust-theft-auto-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/rust-theft-auto-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/rust-theft-auto-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** The original game's nyc.cmp and style001.g24 files are required in data/.
- **Limits:** Gameplay reimplementation is a stated goal.
- **License:** GNU Affero General Public License version 3.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/gaudecker/rust-theft-auto/blob/8bdf0a18b2a4afbd2d093cba4f1de6fcc251b8bd/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/gaudecker/rust-theft-auto/blob/8bdf0a18b2a4afbd2d093cba4f1de6fcc251b8bd/LICENSE.md>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.