Grand Heist City: A New Era for Fortnite Gaming

Andre “Typical Gamer” Rebelo is set to launch "Grand Heist City," a new expansive map for Fortnite, on March 14, 2026. Developed by his company, JOGO Studios, this project is touted as their most ambitious to date, aiming to replicate the chaotic energy of "Grand Theft Auto" (GTA) through open play, heists, and multiplayer interactions in a dynamic urban environment. The map's creation was supported by a Mega Grant from Epic Games, and it was developed in collaboration with KitBash3D, a studio known for creating high-quality assets for various gaming franchises.

Variety MagazineJOGO Studios is building a ‘GTA’ alternative inside Fortnite for the kids whose parents say no

JOGO Studios, founded by Rebelo in May 2024, has committed over $2 million to gaming development using Unreal Engine for Fortnite. The launch of "Grand Heist City" comes at a time when anticipation for Rockstar Games' "GTA 6," scheduled for release in November 2026, is building. Rebelo's aim is to provide an alternative for gamers who may find the upcoming title too expensive or inaccessible, offering a Fortnite-inspired experience that captures the essence of the beloved franchise.

Variety MagazineJOGO Studios is building a ‘GTA’ alternative inside Fortnite for the kids whose parents say no

"Grand Heist City" is designed as a full-scale, mission-driven sandbox that allows players to engage in various heists and activities reminiscent of the GTA series. Rebelo emphasized the challenges faced during development, particularly regarding memory limitations, but expressed confidence in delivering a substantial gaming experience. The map will also introduce in-game purchases for the first time, reflecting JOGO's strategy to capitalize on the growing market for microtransactions within Fortnite.

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Chad Mustard, COO of JOGO, stated, “Microtransactions are not for the meek: With 100% of in-island spending currently being paid out to creators, we’re giving fans a deep enough experience to spend against.” He highlighted that the project aims to foster player loyalty through engaging content rather than simple maps. KitBash3D co-CEO Banks Boutté remarked on the collaboration, stating, “Together, we were able to build a city that feels alive, supports gameplay at every skill, and delivers an experience that would have previously required a much larger team.”

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While the initiative has garnered excitement, some critics may question the necessity of microtransactions in a game that aims to be accessible to younger audiences. Concerns about the implications of monetization in gaming, particularly for titles inspired by franchises like GTA, could arise as the project unfolds.

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As the launch date approaches, JOGO Studios is preparing to unveil "Grand Heist City" and promote it as a viable alternative for gamers awaiting "GTA 6." The success of this venture could influence future developments in user-generated content (UGC) within Fortnite and similar platforms.

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• “I’ve been a ‘Grand Theft Auto’ fan all my life,” — Andre “Typical Gamer” Rebelo, Founder of JOGO Studios

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• “ “’Grand Heist City’ is what happens when a creator-led studio thinks big.” — Banks Boutté, Co-CEO of KitBash3D

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