A former Rockstar veteran has weighed in on the swirling rumors about a potential re-release of *Grand Theft Auto IV* for the latest generation of consoles, suggesting that the game is ripe for a remaster. Obbe Vermeij, who served as Rockstar Games' technical director from 1995 to 2009 and worked on *GTA IV*, expressed his support for a remaster on social media, emphasizing that the game deserves an update.
The rumors kicked off with a post from Tez2, a well-known figure within the *GTA* community for his leaks about Rockstar. He hinted that a *GTA IV* port for modern systems might be on the horizon this year, citing the recent shutdown of a *GTA V* Liberty City Mod as evidence. However, it's crucial to note that Rockstar has not officially announced any plans for a *GTA IV* re-release. Such a move would be surprising, especially given the studio's current focus on *GTA VI*.
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Vermeij, who contributed to *GTA IV*, praised the game as a great candidate for a remaster, citing recent successful remasters like *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered*. He expressed a personal desire to see the game updated, especially highlighting the enduring appeal of protagonist Niko Bellic, whom he considers the best in the *GTA* series.
Speculating on the technical aspects, Vermeij suggested that a remaster could involve porting *GTA IV* to the latest version of the Rage engine, which Rockstar uses for its game development. However, it's important to reiterate that Rockstar has given no official indication of plans to remaster *GTA IV*. The company's primary focus remains on the monumental task of developing *GTA VI*, set to launch in the fall of 2025. Undertaking a *GTA IV* remaster simultaneously might stretch even Rockstar's vast resources.
An alternative approach could see Rockstar outsourcing the remaster to an external studio, as it did with *Red Dead Redemption*. Yet, the timing of a *GTA IV* re-release in 2025 seems off, considering it would coincide with *GTA VI*'s release window. Launching both games simultaneously could dilute attention from *GTA VI*, which is poised to be the main event.
Turning to the setting of *GTA IV*, Liberty City, some fans speculate that this iconic location might make an appearance in *GTA VI*, either at launch or as post-launch DLC. Liberty City, inspired by New York City, was the backdrop for *GTA IV* and *GTA: Chinatown Wars*. Meanwhile, *GTA VI* is set in the fictional state of Leonida, mirroring Florida and featuring Vice City, Rockstar's version of Miami.
While we eagerly await further news, there's a wealth of information on *GTA VI* to explore, including detailed breakdowns of the game, a collection of 70 new screenshots, and expert analysis on how *GTA VI* will perform on the PS5 Pro.
