A former Rockstar developer has weighed in on recent rumors about a potential GTA 4 re-release for modern consoles, suggesting the classic title deserves a full remaster rather than just a port.
The Origin of GTA 4 Remaster Rumors
The speculation began with a post from Tez2, a reliable Rockstar insider within the GTA community, who hinted at a possible GTA 4 port for current-gen systems this year. Some believe this potential release may explain Rockstar's recent takedown of a popular GTA 5 Liberty City mod.
However, it's crucial to note that Rockstar hasn't confirmed any plans to re-release GTA 4. Such a move would actually surprise many fans, considering the studio's current focus remains firmly on GTA 6's development.
GTA 4's Celebrity Cameos
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Developer Perspectives
Obbe Vermeij, Rockstar's former Technical Director (1995-2009) who worked on GTA 4, responded to the rumors on social media. While unaware of current plans, he strongly advocated for a remaster: "It's a great game and there have been a number of successful remasters recently," possibly referencing titles like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
"Niko remains the best protagonist in any GTA game in my opinion," Vermeij added, suggesting the game could benefit from being rebuilt in Rockstar's latest RAGE engine.
Realistic Expectations
Several factors make a GTA 4 remaster unlikely in the near future:
- Rockstar's entire focus remains on GTA 6's impending release
- The studio currently lacks bandwidth for major remaster projects
- A 2025 release would directly compete with GTA 6's launch window
While Rockstar could outsource development (similar to Red Dead Redemption's port), the timing seems particularly unfavorable. Many fans speculate Liberty City might eventually appear in GTA 6, either at launch or through post-release content.
For now, we'll keep tracking all GTA 6 developments - from our comprehensive findings to expert analysis on next-gen performance. Check our recent articles analyzing 70+ new screenshots and how GTA 6 might leverage PS5 Pro hardware.
