As if its controversial title were not enough, a Steam game called Grand Theft Timeline has teased that it might feature a reimagining of the 9/11 tragedy, one of the saddest days in US history. Steam generally gives developers creative freedom and has hosted plenty of controversial indie games over the years. However, rarely have any of these games attempted to tackle the 9/11 attacks, especially in the friendslop subgenre that Grand Theft Timeline falls under.
The topic is so sensitive that even rumors of Black Ops 6 featuring a 9/11 mission prompted the developer to respond and shut them down. That said, Grand Theft Timeline, an upcoming solo-dev indie game, has been bold enough to open its teaser trailer with a scene inspired by the 9/11 attacks.
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Grand Theft Timeline Is a Time-Travel Game, Which Could Explain the Possible 9/11 Mission
In Grand Theft Timeline, one to eight players use a time machine to travel through history and visit significant eras to steal valuable items. According to developer Real Players, the gameplay is inspired by games like Lethal Company. Based on the teaser, players may be able to travel back to September 11, 2001, enter the World Trade Center buildings, and try to steal treasures before the tragic terrorist attacks take place. And many would argue that premise is a controversy waiting to happen.
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Recently, Google had to shut down one of its new features that let people create AI-generated images in Google Maps. Part of the reason for the rollback was that people were using Nano Banana to recreate images of the Twin Towers. Given the backlash against Google’s feature, as well as most other reimaginings of the incident, Grand Theft Timeline’s 9/11-reminiscent heist is also unlikely to be well received, assuming such a mission exists in the first place.
Image via Real Players
Image via Real Players
Image via Real PlayersRegarding the game’s current teasers, the developer has said, “these videos were tested for high virality,” which could suggest that the 9/11 segment is being used as a “shock marketing” technique and may not actually be part of the game.
GTT Developer Wants to Go Head-to-Head with GTA 6
Image via Rockstar Games
The terrorist attack shown in Grand Theft Timeline’s teaser hasn’t been the only topic of discussion. In another surprising move, the developer has expressed a willingness to be among the few launching a game around the same time as GTA 6. “I’ll try to release it on the day of GTA 6 release if I can finish it in time,” the developer wrote on Steam, seemingly as a joke. If they do follow through, however, GTT could become one of the very few titles coming out on November 19, 2026.
The Rise of Controversial Friendslop Games on Steam
Image via Flexus
Before Grand Theft Timeline, another friendslop Steam game called Dear Passengers made headlines after its teaser allegedly included jokes and references to sensitive topics, such as the Epstein files. The teaser featured characters named “Epst. J” and “PDaddy,” which many found to be disturbing references, although the developer has denied most of the allegations so far.
It remains to be seen how both of these indie games will perform in terms of player acquisition and reviews once they release. According to its Steam page, Grand Theft Timeline is planned for a Q4 2026 release, and as the developer has mentioned, it might launch on November 19.
