GTA 4 Remaster Hopes Shattered by Rockstar Dev, Maybe Next Year

With Rockstar bringing many of its cult classics to modern consoles, Grand Theft Auto IV remains firmly stuck in the past.

However, according to one former Rockstar developer, a Grand Theft Auto IV remaster may be a lot harder than it sounds.

In recent times, Rockstar has worked to bring some of its older hits to modern-day consoles, such as Red Dead Redemption recently launching on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S after first being released for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

As a result, fans have been campaigning for some of Rockstar’s even older titles to receive the same treatment.

First launching back in 2008, Grand Theft Auto IV is widely regarded as one of the best in the Rockstar saga and with it hurtling towards its 20-year anniversary, fans are hoping that this means a remaster announcement is on the way.

However, according to former Rockstar developer Obbe Vermeij, this may be easier said than done as remastering GTA IV would require a significant investment.

Will It Be Worth The Money?

Back in December, one user asked Vermeij the following question: “Obbe, are the rumours true that porting GTA IV to current-generation consoles would require a major effort? Especially due to engine-related issues and similar technical limitations?”

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To which Vermeij replied, “It would be a lot of work. Much of the artwork would have to be improved. Especially the cutscenes that look dated.

It might cost close to the original dev budget to make it competitive in today’s market.

Rockstar can opt not to do it. But if they do, they should do it right.

I think the game is worth it.”

If anyone knows this better, it is Vermeij who previously worked on GTA IV as well as Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Not only does Vermeij explain that it would be a “lot of work” to modernise GTA IV, but he also estimates that it will cost “close to the original dev budget” to make.

For context, the original budget for GTA IV back in the early 2000s was estimated to have been around $100 million but with today’s technology, we can expect it to be even more.

Is it worth it or should we just leave GTA IV where it is?

It remains to be seen but with Rockstar currently working hard on the finishing touches for Grand Theft Auto VI, it may be a while until GTA IV gets the remaster treatment.