ENDS, a GTA-Like Game Set in London, Has a Range of Mountains to Climb

The Grand Theft Auto franchise has grown into an industry juggernaut, and while many games have tried to replicate its special blend of open-world storytelling and crime-riddled antics, succeeding at being a GTA-like is far easier said than done. Past series like Saints Row and Mafia have found plenty of success in the crime genre, but Grand Theft Auto continues to reign supreme.

One of the most notable examples of trying to recreate the GTA formula is the recently ill-fated MindsEye. Former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies led development on MindsEye, which made the latter’s ambitions of being a GTA-like far more promising. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. So far, MindsEye is one of the worst-reviewed games of 2025, further proving how difficult it is to replicate the energy and gameplay of GTA. This hasn’t stopped indie developer Concrete Realm Games from giving it a try with its upcoming project, ENDS, though.

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ENDS Aims to Bring the GTA Formula to the Streets of London

A GTA-Inspired Adventure That Flips Some Staple Features On its Head

ENDS met its Kickstarter goal on December 27, 2023.
An open beta test period is expected to arrive in early 2026.

The crowd-funded project just revealed its first concept trailer, demonstrating what is to be expected from its world. ENDS is set in the heart of London, and with its city setting, Concrete Realm Games states, “The narrative explores the challenges and choices of urban life, contrasting the realities of different social classes.” It’s definitely an intriguing premise, especially considering that it’s a mirror of real-life issues, but there are a few features confirmed for ENDS that could make or break it.

In ENDS, players will be able to traverse London via bicycles, mopeds, and the train.

ENDS’ Combat Doesn’t Boast GTA’s Gun-Heavy Gameplay

Of course, considering the location, this makes sense. America has a prominent gun culture, and GTA satirizes this aspect of the country without holding back. London, and the UK in general, has much stricter gun laws, so ENDS featuring combat that is heavily focused on melee and hand-to-hand combat fits the setting. MindsEye is set in a futuristic version of America, so its combat was firearm-centric, but that obviously doesn’t mean success.

While a GTA-inspired game without guns might be jarring at first, it may actually be the ideal way for the game to set itself apart from the Rockstar heavy-hitter. If ENDS can succeed at crafting a compelling world and narrative that makes melee and hand-to-hand combat a vital part of the story, then it could potentially work.

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ENDS‘ Steam page confirms choice-based mechanics that impact the story.

The narrative explores the challenges and choices of urban life, contrasting the realities of different social classes.

Another Crime-Focused Game Has Already Visited London

Watch Dogs: Legion launched on October 29, 2020.

Granted, Watch Dogs: Legion is nearly five years old now, so it’s far from being fresh, but it’s still a fairly recent title that has made London its main focus. With this setting already being the centerpiece of a crime-fueled story, ENDS has the difficult task of making its version of the major city unique. However, based on the game’s Steam page, its teased story elements may be what ultimately helps it stand on its own. According to Steam, ENDS is “a coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of brotherhood, family, and loyalty.”

A low point for many Watch Dogs: Legion players was its story, and if ENDS nails this aspect, then it could bring London to life in a brand-new way. Only time will tell if ENDS is able to stick its landing, but it’s an interesting premise that has potential. If developers are able to make its gun-free combat and bold setting work, then ENDS could be a strong indie answer to GTA‘s mainstream success.