Is a GTA IV Remake in the Works? Rumors Point to Liberty City Rising Again
It’s been over 15 years since Grand Theft Auto IV dropped us into the gritty chaos of Liberty City—and despite technical limitations and aging textures, it still holds up as one of Rockstar’s most mature and tightly written stories. Now, rumors suggest we might be heading back.
According to multiple leaks, including a credible post by Rockstar insider Tez2, a full remaster or remake of GTA IV could be on the horizon. The report claims development has been underway for over a year, with an announcement potentially planned for later in 2025. With GTA VI officially delayed until 2026, fans suspect Rockstar may be prepping the return of Niko Bellic as a stopgap release—and honestly, that move would make a lot of sense.
The Evidence is Stacking Up
What’s fueling this speculation? For starters, Rockstar recently issued takedown notices to several GTA IV modding projects, most notably the Liberty City Preservation Project. This is the same kind of legal cleanup Rockstar has done right before announcing official remastered versions—just like we saw ahead of the GTA Trilogy Definitive Edition. When Rockstar starts flexing its IP muscles, something’s usually cooking behind the scenes.
Further, industry chatter hints that the supposed remaster isn’t just a reskin. We’re talking potential Unreal Engine 5 work, retooled lighting and textures, and optimized gameplay for modern consoles. The rumored target platforms include PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC—with Switch and PS4 ports possibly in the mix.
Why Remake GTA IV Now?
There’s never been a better time. GTA IV is notoriously difficult to run on modern PCs without community patches, and it’s essentially locked away from current-gen console players. A modern rebuild could fix long-standing performance issues, bring back cut radio content, and give Niko’s story the wider audience it deserves.
Plus, Rockstar knows the market. GTA IV may not have the bombastic chaos of San Andreas or the meme-worthy tone of Vice City, but it has weight. It’s a narrative-driven descent into the American Dream’s underbelly, and it still resonates today. Bringing that story into the current console cycle would be more than nostalgia—it’s good business.
Cautious Optimism or Hype Train Departure?
Of course, none of this is confirmed. Rockstar is tight-lipped as ever, and until we see an official logo flash on screen, it’s all speculation. But with Rockstar’s track record and the sheer amount of smoke around this fire, it’s hard not to believe Liberty City might soon be open for business again.
So, is a GTA IV remake coming? We don’t have confirmation—but between credible leaks, mod takedowns, and industry timing, we’d bet the cab fare that Niko’s not done just yet.
Stay tuned. The streets might be calling again.
