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GTA IV Camera System

Overview:
In Grand Theft Auto IV, when the player tilts the camera upward (for example, to look at a building), the game dynamically changes the Field of View (FOV) to make vertical objects appear taller, more massive, and more dramatic.

When the player looks up past a certain angle:

• Vertical FOV gradually decreases
  
• The scene is visually "compressed" upward
  
• Objects stretch vertically without zooming in horizontally
  
• Creates a realistic lens effect like a telephoto camera

• Buildings feel taller and more intimidating
  
• Camera preserves horizontal perspective
  
• Environment feels more cinematic and grounded

This effect enhances immersion using a subtle trick:
Decreasing vertical FOV makes the brain perceive vertical distance as larger than it really is — without needing to change player scale, camera height, or zoom level.

• GTA IV uses dynamic vertical FOV adjustment while looking up
  
• This makes tall objects feel realistic and massive
  
• It's a simple yet powerful visual illusion