Ex-Rockstar Vet Pushes for GTA 4 Remaster

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 instead.

The speculation originally surfaced through reputed GTA insider Tez2, who hinted at a possible current-gen port of GTA 4 releasing this year. This rumor gained traction after Rockstar's takedown of a popular GTA 5 Liberty City mod.

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Obbe Vermeij, Rockstar's former technical director who worked at the company from 1995-2009, addressed the rumors online. While unaware of any current plans, the GTA 4 veteran stated the title "should be remastered" given its quality and the recent success of other remastered classics.

"I would love to see it modernized," Vermeij elaborated in a follow-up post. "Niko remains perhaps the strongest protagonist in the entire GTA series, in my opinion." The developer suggested Rockstar could potentially rebuild the game using their latest Rage engine technology.

However, it's crucial to note Rockstar hasn't confirmed any GTA 4 re-release plans. With the studio fully focused on GTA 6's anticipated fall 2025 launch, a GTA 4 remaster seems unlikely to release concurrently and potentially divert attention from their flagship project.

Rockstar could theoretically outsource the project as they did with Red Dead Redemption's port, but the timing appears questionable. Meanwhile, some fans speculate Liberty City might appear in GTA 6 either at launch or as post-release content.

The iconic setting, which fictionalizes New York City, previously featured in 2008's GTA 4 and its 2009 spinoff Chinatown Wars. GTA 6 will primarily take place in Leonida (based on Florida), including its version of Miami known as Vice City.