Former Rockstar Dev Advocates for GTA 4 Remaster, Praises Niko as Top Protagonist

A former Rockstar developer has fueled speculation about a potential GTA 4 re-release for modern consoles, urging that the game deserves a remaster.

The GTA 4 buzz 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 tied to Rockstar’s decision to halt a GTA 5 Liberty City mod.

However, Rockstar has not confirmed any plans to revisit 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, who served as Rockstar Games’ technical director from 1995 to 2009, addressed the GTA 4 rumors on social media. Though unaware of any concrete plans, he expressed enthusiasm, stating that GTA 4, a project he contributed to, “deserves a remaster.”

“It’s an exceptional game, and recent remasters have proven successful,” Vermeij noted, possibly alluding to 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 speculated that Rockstar might adapt GTA 4 to the latest iteration of its Rage engine, used for building its titles.

It’s important to clarify that Rockstar has not signaled any intent to remaster GTA 4. With GTA 6’s massive development demands, taking on a GTA 4 remaster or remake might stretch even Rockstar’s vast resources.

Rockstar could delegate the port to an external studio, as seen with the Red Dead Redemption port, but a 2025 GTA 4 re-release seems improbable alongside GTA 6’s planned fall 2025 debut. Releasing both titles simultaneously would likely split focus from GTA 6, the studio’s flagship project.

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 universe’s version of New York City, was the backdrop for 2008’s GTA 4 and the 2009 spin-off GTA: Chinatown Wars. GTA 6, set in the fictional state of Leonida (inspired by Florida), features Vice City, the series’ take on Miami.

While awaiting confirmation, explore our extensive GTA 6 coverage, including key details, a collection of 70 new screenshots, and insights on how GTA 6 might perform on the PS5 Pro.