Ex-Rockstar Dev Urges GTA 4 Remaster: Niko Still the Best Lead

A former Rockstar veteran has weighed in on recent speculations about a potential GTA 4 re-release for current-gen consoles, suggesting the classic title deserves a full remaster instead.

The Origins of the GTA 4 Rumor

The speculation began with trusted industry insider Tez2, known for accurate Rockstar leaks. Their sources suggested Rockstar might be developing a modern port of GTA 4, potentially explaining why the studio recently shut down a Liberty City mod for GTA 5.

However, it's crucial to note Rockstar hasn't officially confirmed these plans. Given the studio's intense focus on GTA 6 development, a GTA 4 re-release would indeed surprise many industry observers.

Every Celebrity Cameo in GTA 4

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Developer Perspective

Obbe Vermeij, Rockstar's former technical director (1995-2009), responded to fan inquiries about the rumors. While unaware of specific plans, Vermeij - who worked on GTA 4 - firmly believes the title warrants remastering.

"It's a phenomenal game that's aged beautifully," Vermeij stated on social media. "Given the successful remasters we've seen recently, it deserves similar treatment." The developer appeared to reference titles like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.

In follow-up comments, Vermeij elaborated: "Niko remains perhaps the strongest protagonist in GTA history. Modernizing his story would be fantastic." He speculated Rockstar might update the game using their latest RAGE engine technology.

Production Realities

We should temper expectations - Rockstar hasn't hinted at any GTA 4 remaster plans. With GTA 6 entering its crucial final development phase, diverting resources seems unlikely, even for a studio of Rockstar's scale.

While outsourcing to third-party developers remains possible (as with Red Dead Redemption's port), the rumored 2025 timing clashes directly with GTA 6's anticipated Fall 2025 launch window. Competing with their own flagship release would be counterproductive.

Liberty City's Future

Some fans speculate Liberty City might appear in GTA 6, either at launch or as future DLC. The iconic New York-inspired setting debuted in GTA 4 (2008) and its Chinatown Wars spinoff (2009).

GTA 6 will primarily feature Leonida (the series' fictionalized Florida) with Vice City at its core. Whether Liberty City makes an appearance remains one of many unanswered questions.

For now, fans can explore our comprehensive GTA 6 coverage - including all confirmed details, 70+ analyzed screenshots, and technical breakdowns of its potential PS5 Pro performance.