Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North. It was released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2 and later for other platforms including the Xbox. The game is set in a fictional U.S. state of San Andreas, which is heavily based on California and Nevada. The player takes on the role of Carl 'CJ' Johnson, who returns home to Los Santos from Liberty City after his mother's murder. Exploring themes of gang violence, corruption, and family, the player navigates through the criminal underworld. San Andreas is praised for its expansive game world and narrative.