A former Rockstar Games veteran has recently commented on the latest rumors suggesting a potential re-release of *Grand Theft Auto IV* for modern consoles, expressing his personal belief that the title “should be remastered.” This response comes amid growing speculation within the GTA fan community regarding a possible next-gen port of the 2008 classic.
The rumor initially gained traction following a post from Tez2, a well-known figure in the GTA scene for sharing accurate leaks and updates related to Rockstar titles. According to Tez2, a *GTA IV* port could arrive this year, with its rumored development potentially linked to Rockstar’s decision to shut down a *GTA 5*-based Liberty City mod.
Despite the buzz, it's important to note that Rockstar Games has made no official announcements or indications pointing toward a re-release of *GTA IV*. The studio remains heavily invested in the development of *GTA VI*, which is expected to launch in fall 2025—making any secondary project an unlikely near-term priority.
Obbe Vermeij Speaks Out
Obbe Vermeij, former technical director at Rockstar Games and a key contributor to several of the studio’s early titles, including *GTA IV*, was recently asked about the circulating rumors on social media. While he admitted he hadn’t heard about the specific claims, he voiced strong support for a *GTA IV* remaster.
“It's a great game and there have been a number of successful remasters recently,” Vermeij noted, possibly referencing titles like *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered*. He continued, “I would like to see it updated.”
Vermeij also praised Niko Bellic, the protagonist of *GTA IV*, calling him “still the best protagonist in any GTA game I think.” His comments reflect a broader sentiment among fans who still hold *GTA IV* in high regard despite its aging mechanics and dated visuals.
What Could a GTA IV Remaster Look Like?
When asked how such a remaster might be technically approached, Vermeij speculated that Rockstar could utilize the latest iteration of its proprietary RAGE engine—the same foundation behind recent Rockstar titles like *Red Dead Redemption 2* and the upcoming *GTA VI*.
However, even if technically feasible, the timing of a *GTA IV* remaster raises questions. With *GTA VI* already in its final stages of development and slated for release in late 2025, launching a major side project during the same window could risk diverting attention away from the franchise’s main event.
One alternative could involve outsourcing the remaster to a third-party developer, similar to what Rockstar did with the *Red Dead Redemption* remaster. Still, given the current scope of *GTA VI*’s production, such a move seems improbable unless delays push back *GTA VI*’s release date significantly.
Could Liberty City Appear in GTA VI?
While *GTA IV* itself may not return anytime soon, some fans speculate that its iconic setting—Liberty City—could make a comeback in *GTA VI*. Set as a fictionalized version of New York, Liberty City served as the backdrop for *GTA IV* and its spin-off, *Chinatown Wars*.
Currently, *GTA VI* is confirmed to take place in a fictionalized version of Florida known as Leonida, featuring Vice City—a digital Miami. However, the possibility of Liberty City returning either at launch or through future DLC remains a popular theory among fans.
As anticipation builds, more details about *GTA VI* continue to surface. For those eager to learn more, we’ve compiled extensive coverage including over 70 new screenshots, expert predictions on how the game will perform on PS5 Pro, and everything else we currently know about the highly anticipated sequel.
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