Why No GTA 4 for PlayStation Fans? An Inside Look
Let‘s address the elephant in the room – Grand Theft Auto IV, arguably one of the highest praised entries in the legendary franchise, is still unavailable on PlayStation consoles in 2024. As a passionate PS gamer myself, I‘ve dug into the specifics on why PS4 and PS5 owners have been left in the cold when it comes to GTA 4 access.
The core issues boil down to outdated dependencies in the original release and challenging emulation needs. Read on for the full investigation!
Built for Windows and PS3‘s Cell Processor
GTA 4 first launched in 2008 for PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows PC. The Windows version relied on Microsoft‘s Games for Windows Live platform (GfWL) for activation and multiplayer. When Microsoft ceased GfWL support in 2014, this effectively cut off Rockstar‘s ability to sell new PC copies.
The PS3 release leveraged the console‘s notoriously complex Cell microprocessor. This specialized chip with its 7 cores normalized console-to-console variation for smooth performance.
- But now, accurately emulating the Cell architecture poses a monumental challenge! Its graphics and computing power still impress today.
PlayStation Console Processor Power Over Time
| Console | CPU/GPU Combo | Performance Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| PS3 | 3.2 GHz Cell Broadband Engine + 550 MHz Nvidia RSX | 1.8 TFLOPS GPU |
| PS4 | 1.6GHz AMD Jaguar + 1.84 TFLOPS AMD Radeon | 1.84 TFLOPS GPU |
| PS5 | 3.5GHz AMD Zen 2 + 10.28 TFLOPS AMD RDNA 2 | 10.28 TFLOPS GPU |
As the table shows, the PS5 boasts superb next-gen power. Yet accurately emulating the PS3 Cell chip remains out of reach.
GTA Remasters – Once Bitten, Twice Shy?
In 2022, insider sources claimed Rockstar had remasters of GTA 4 and Red Dead Redemption in the works for 2020. However, the disastrous launch state of the GTA Definitive Trilogy last year purportedly gave them cold feet.
The Trilogy shipped buggy, suffered visual downgrades from earlier versions, and faced immense fan criticism. Aides close to Rockstar told journalists that leadership lost faith in remastering ambitious, older GTA entries following this debacle.
But could resistant fans tempt them with enough demand?
Strong Desire Among PlayStation Nation
Across social media, petitions, and forums, PS lovers continually inquire about playing GTA 4. And for good reason – it remains one of the most critically successful GTA stories ever made!
- Metacritic Score: 98/100 (Xbox 360)
- Only Grand Theft Auto title to win a BAFTA award
- Highest rated PlayStation 3 exclusive
- As of 2023, third best-rated game ever on Metacritic
Fans eagerly await either a rebuilt remaster or full remake using GTA 5‘s RAGE engine. And with reports of GTA 6 still early in development, many see new life for GTA 4 as a stopgap project for Rockstar.
The Rockstar Perspective
While demand exists, the time, cost, and risks likely keep Rockstar hesitant on greenlighting a GTA 4 rerelease. Executives seem focused on nurturingRed Dead Online and the cash cow GTA Online through frequent content updates.
Consider the investment required to remaster or remake such a seminal last-gen release:
- 12-24 months minimum, pulling key talent from other projects
- Licensing music, brands, cars again a decade later
- No guarantee of replicating the original experience authentically
Following the Trilogy‘s blowback, I expect management seeks strong assurances before revisiting classics like GTA 4 or Red Dead Redemption.
For PlayStation fans, only sustained excitement levels over GTA 4 can tip the scales towards a remaster. So sound off PS Nation – show Rockstar the passion is still there! Over time, the door may re-open for Niko Bellic‘s Liberty City tale to return on PS5.
