More than two decades after Carl “CJ” Johnson made his mark in Los Santos, a duo of modders is set to breathe new life into the iconic world of Grand Theft Auto. Known as Blue & Blood, this ambitious total conversion mod offers a fresh perspective on the narrative, shifting the focus from a young gangster’s rise to power to that of a police officer navigating the murky waters of corruption. Players will step into the shoes of the notorious CRASH unit of the LSPD, exploring a storyline that intricately weaves together themes of justice and vice, all while maintaining the gritty essence of the original game. This creative endeavor is spearheaded by Cascavel, a seasoned roleplayer and modder, alongside giacobbe, a software engineer whose passion for the series runs deep.
Roleplay roots
The inspiration for Blue & Blood was sparked by a solo-developed game called Schedule I, which captivated the modders with its ability to create a resonant world. “It wasn’t about its financial success,” Cascavel reflects. “It was the idea that one person could build a world that resonated with people. We thought, ‘If he can do it, why can’t we?’” Their return to Blue & Blood, marked by the Docked & Loaded teaser, was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. “The reaction was huge,” giacobbe recalls. “You could feel the anticipation. It validated our decision to come back.” Since then, their ambitions have expanded, leading to the development of GTA Palmline, a reimagining of Vice City that incorporates the mechanics of San Andreas. “It answers questions like: what if Tommy could swim? Gain muscle? Take Mercedes on an actual date? It’s about modernizing Vice City’s experience with San Andreas’ depth.”
Walking the tightrope
Managing multiple projects is no small feat, but Cascavel and giacobbe have found a rhythm amidst the chaos. “It’s both difficult and refreshing,” giacobbe admits. “We pour a lot of effort into every detail, which can lead to burnout. Switching between projects helps. If we need a break from Blue & Blood, we jump into Palmline or our indie project. It keeps things fun.” Time, however, remains their greatest adversary. “Progress can feel slow to fans,” Cascavel acknowledges, “but we’re always chasing a certain level of polish. The rewards outweigh the challenges—every project teaches us something new.” For giacobbe, the most gratifying aspect lies in witnessing the capabilities of their small team. “We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of our abilities,” he shares. “It’s rewarding to see how far we can go with such limited resources.”
As they continue to develop Blue & Blood and Palmline, Cascavel and giacobbe are also quietly working on a secretive standalone indie project. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources including Stardew Valley, Graveyard Keeper, Mafia, and Schedule I, they initially set out with overly ambitious goals. “It would’ve taken us years,” giacobbe admits. “We’ve refined it into something achievable. Right now, we’re focused on building our MVP gameloop while balancing our modding work.” This journey marks a significant evolution for two creators who grew up immersed in the worlds crafted by Rockstar, now learning to forge their own paths. Blue & Blood stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of San Andreas, reminding us that its stories continue to resonate with players eager to engage with its vibrant universe.
Follow Blue & Blood’s progress via the project’s YouTube and Discord channels.
