Former Rockstar Developer Endorses GTA 4 Remaster, Praises Niko as Top GTA Protagonist

A former Rockstar developer has fueled speculation about a potential GTA 4 re-release on modern consoles, advocating for a remaster of the iconic game.

The speculation originated from a post by Tez2, a well-known figure in the GTA community for sharing Rockstar leaks. Tez2 hinted that a GTA 4 port for current platforms might launch this year, possibly influencing Rockstar’s recent decision to halt a GTA 5 Liberty City mod.

However, Rockstar has not confirmed any plans to re-release GTA 4, and such a move would be unexpected given the studio’s heavy focus on developing GTA 6.

Every Celebrity in GTA 4

Obbe Vermeij, a former technical director at Rockstar Games from 1995 to 2009, addressed the GTA 4 rumors on social media. Although unaware of any such plans, he strongly supported remastering GTA 4, a project he contributed to during his tenure.

“It’s an exceptional game, and recent successful remasters show there’s demand,” Vermeij noted, possibly referencing the well-received The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.

“I’d love to see it refreshed,” he added in another post. “Niko remains the most compelling protagonist in the GTA series, in my view.”

Regarding a potential remaster’s approach, Vermeij suggested that Rockstar could adapt GTA 4 to the latest version of its Rage engine, used across its titles.

It’s important to note that Rockstar has not signaled any intent to remaster GTA 4. Given the massive scope of GTA 6’s development, taking on a remaster alongside it might stretch even Rockstar’s considerable resources.

Rockstar could outsource the port to an external studio, as seen with the Red Dead Redemption port, but launching a GTA 4 remaster in 2025 seems unlikely. With GTA 6 slated for a fall 2025 release, releasing a remaster simultaneously would risk splitting the audience’s focus.

Turning to Liberty City, some GTA fans speculate it could appear in GTA 6, either at launch or as future DLC.

Liberty City, the GTA series’ version of New York City, was the setting for 2008’s GTA 4 and the 2009 spin-off GTA: Chinatown Wars. In contrast, GTA 6 takes place in the fictional state of Leonida (inspired by Florida), featuring Vice City, the series’ take on Miami.

While awaiting confirmation, explore more GTA 6 details, including a comprehensive overview, 70 new screenshots, and expert insights on how GTA 6 will perform on the PS5 Pro.