Is this even possible? Would you like such a game?
What I mean is, having kinda same openworld and setting of GTA (if possible even with sandbox), with more depth and interactive dialogues, where your character can learn skills, and moves up a criminal ladder.

I recognise that it definitely sound unappealing. GTA, despite it's violence, is more of a light-hearted game.

So instead, what about a similar game where you, the other way around, play a novice police officer? Choose your path while doing missions like undercover agent, or SWAT, DEA , you know what I'm saying. Have focus on dialogue system and RPG-action stuff alike. Throw in some great crime thriller plot, but avoid obvious propaganda and black-white morality.

For such game to be good, it should not be sandbox, though - more like Mass Effect or KOTOR linearity.

What do you think?