Gaming History, Sega
Unearthed Prototype of “Crazy Taxi” Blends Dreamcast Classic with GTA Elements
As “Crazy Taxi” celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, a remarkable piece of gaming history has surfaced: a previously unseen prototype from November 14, 1999. Shared by Sega Dreamcast Info Games Preservation, the prototype offers an intriguing glimpse into early ideas that blend the arcade chaos of “Crazy Taxi” with elements akin to “Grand Theft Auto”.
Released in 2000, “Crazy Taxi” became one of the Dreamcast’s most iconic titles, selling over a million copies in the U.S. alone. Players zipped through vibrant cities, picking up passengers and delivering them as fast—and recklessly—as possible, earning extra tips for outrageous stunts. This formula laid the groundwork for similar games, including the controversial “The Simpsons: Road Rage”, which famously led to a legal dispute over patented mechanics.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of Crazy Taxi on Dreamcast, I'm offering you a new prototype of the game (Nov 14, 1999) with "never-before-seen" views, the meeting of Crazy Taxi and GTA!👇https://t.co/Xc4GfP4In1#sega #dreamcast #crazytaxi pic.twitter.com/iAw6mv1KES
— Sega Dreamcast Info (@CombyLaurent1) January 27, 2025
The newly revealed prototype features visual and gameplay elements distinct from the final release, offering an alternative vision of the arcade classic. It demonstrates Sega’s experimental approach during development, blending the high-energy taxi-driving gameplay with more open-world exploration reminiscent of “GTA”.
Beyond the Dreamcast, “Crazy Taxi” expanded its legacy with ports to PlayStation 2, GameCube, and PC, along with sequels on Xbox, Game Boy Advance, and PSP. This discovery gives fans and preservationists an exciting window into the creative evolution of one of Sega’s most beloved titles.
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