The GTA Online KORTZ Center Heist DLC has reportedly caught the attention of players because it includes references to characters from the very first Grand Theft Auto installment. For long-time fans of the franchise, this is a fun nostalgic detail, as the original Grand Theft Auto released in 1997 and laid the foundation for what later became one of the biggest gaming series in history. You can read more about the original game on Grand Theft Auto’s Wikipedia page.
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References to GTA’s Earliest Characters
According to player observations, the new DLC appears to include names or details connected to characters from the first GTA game. The original title featured several selectable protagonists, including names such as Bubba, Divine, Katie, Kivlov, Mikki, Travis, Troy, and Ulrika. While these characters did not have the deep cinematic development later seen in games like GTA 5, GTA 4, or San Andreas, they remain an important part of the franchise’s history.
The KORTZ Center Heist DLC seems to use these older names as Easter eggs, references, or hidden nods rather than bringing the characters back in a major story role. This kind of detail is typical of Rockstar Games, which often rewards observant players with callbacks to older titles, locations, brands, radio content, and characters.

Why This Reference Matters
The reference is meaningful because it connects modern GTA Online content with the franchise’s earliest roots. Many newer players know Grand Theft Auto mainly through GTA 5 and GTA Online, but the series began as a top-down crime game long before it became the massive open-world 3D franchise it is today. By including references to the first GTA installment, Rockstar appears to be acknowledging the series’ legacy while giving veteran fans something special to notice.
It also shows how deep the GTA universe has become over the years. Even small Easter eggs can spark discussion because fans enjoy connecting different eras of the franchise. Whether these references are found through mission details, character names, documents, files, or environmental clues, they add extra flavor to the KORTZ Center Heist DLC.
Rockstar’s History of Easter Eggs
Rockstar has always been known for hiding Easter eggs across its games. From mysterious UFOs and hidden symbols to callbacks involving older characters and fictional brands, the studio often builds layers of detail into its open worlds. GTA Online has continued that tradition through heists, seasonal events, collectibles, and DLC missions.
The KORTZ Center itself is already an interesting location in GTA Online, and tying it to franchise history makes the new heist feel more rewarding for players who enjoy lore hunting. Even if the references do not affect gameplay, they help make the world feel connected and carefully designed.
Final Thoughts
The GTA Online KORTZ Center Heist DLC referencing characters from the first Grand Theft Auto installment is a clever nostalgic touch for long-time fans. While these callbacks may be small, they celebrate the franchise’s history and remind players how far GTA has come since its 1997 debut. For more GTA Online and gaming updates, readers can also visit TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q1: Which GTA game is being referenced in the KORTZ Center Heist DLC?
The DLC reportedly references characters from the original Grand Theft Auto, which was released in 1997.
Q2: Are the original GTA characters returning in GTA Online?
There is no clear indication that they are returning as major story characters. The references appear to be Easter eggs or nostalgic callbacks for fans.