Grand Theft Auto IV
News, coverage and analysis tracking Grand Theft Auto IV across the outlets.
Latest coverage
13 years in and on its third console generation, how does GTA 5 hold up for a return visit?
This analysis revisits Grand Theft Auto 5 thirteen years after its initial release and on its third console generation, the PlayStation 5. While the game's visuals and technical enhancements, including ray tracing and DualSense haptics, hold up remarkably well, its satirical commentary on American capitalism and societal issues feels dated and at times exhausting. The article highlights how GTA Online has become the primary driver of the game's longevity, evolving into a live service that continues to resonate with players.
Exclusive: 'Jason seems quite deadpan and monotone' — Former GTA dev says he wants to see more personality from the GTA 6 protagonist, since Rockstar 'usually gives us characters who are funny and have their own flair'
Former Rockstar Games developer Mike York expressed concerns about Grand Theft Auto 6 protagonist Jason's 'deadpan and monotone' personality, comparing him unfavorably to characters like Grand Theft Auto 4's Niko Bellic. He hopes Jason will exhibit more flair and personality, suggesting that co-protagonist Lucia's livelier demeanor will help balance the characters.
GTA 4 Was the Xbox 360’s ‘We Mean Business’ Moment Against the PS3
The article argues that Grand Theft Auto IV's release and subsequent exclusive downloadable content on the Xbox 360 marked a cultural peak for the console in its competition against the PlayStation 3. This period, from Fall 2007 through April 2008, is highlighted as one of the best six-month runs for any console, featuring a strong lineup of titles including Halo 3 and Mass Effect.
Games Inbox: When will GTA 6 be released on PC?
Readers discuss the potential PC release date for Grand Theft Auto 6, with speculation centering around a six-month delay after the console launch. Other topics include the potential for moral choices in the game, concerns over Microsoft's cloud gaming limitations, and a critique of the industry's shift towards digital-only and away from physical media.
Grand Theft Auto 6’s Driving Mixes the “Weightiness” of GTA 4 and GTA 5’s “Accessibility”
Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson stated that Grand Theft Auto 6's driving mechanics will blend the "weightiness" of Grand Theft Auto 4 with the "accessibility" of Grand Theft Auto 5. The physics model has been rebuilt from scratch, allowing for more granular control over vehicle components and resulting in more dynamic vehicle behavior, such as toppling after tire damage.
GTA 6 driving is "the best parts" of GTA 4 but with "the accessibility of GTA 5," says Rockstar boss
Rockstar Games co-studio head Rob Nelson stated that Grand Theft Auto 6's driving mechanics will combine the weightiness of Grand Theft Auto 4 with the accessibility of Grand Theft Auto 5. The physics model has been rebuilt from scratch, allowing for more control over drivetrain, tires, and suspension. The game is set to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Nvidia confirms its DLSS 5 AI filter won't just be limited to RTX 50 GPUs
Nvidia has confirmed that its new DLSS 5 AI rendering technology, which debuted with NBA 2K27, will be expanded to support GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs. While initially demanding significant performance even on high-end cards, the company aims to enhance graphics by adding lighting and material effects without compromising artistic vision, though concerns about 'AI slop' have emerged.
The best Los Angeles events for the week of August 31 - September 6 — MP3s & NPCs
This article highlights notable events happening in Los Angeles from August 31 to September 6, including live music performances by Don't Stop Or We'll Die and Pallbearer, a comedy festival called The Packening, and EBM act Nitzer Ebb's concert. It also features an all-ages improv show at UCB Theatre.
GTA 6 extended look: 20+ details that slipped past most viewers
An extended look at Grand Theft Auto 6 reveals over 20 details previously missed by viewers, including an expanded six-star Wanted system and a new Criminal Profile system similar to Red Dead Redemption 2's Honor system. The footage also showcases reworked gunplay, more involved carjacking mechanics, and a variety of side activities like basketball, racing, and wrestling.
GTA 6 extended look breakdown: 7 things you might have missed
This analysis breaks down the extended gameplay look for Grand Theft Auto 6, highlighting seven details players might have missed. It points out in-game parodies of other games and brands, callbacks to previous titles like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City and Grand Theft Auto 4, and new immersion features such as character perspiration. The article also touches on the detailed aquatic life and the potential for playing as the fictional 'Righteous Slaughter: Hood Ops' game.
GTA 4 producer Leslie Benzies wanted NPCs "to have their own lives," former Rockstar lead says, but "it ended up being so problematic" and didn't "really matter that much"
Former Rockstar Games producer Leslie Benzies envisioned Grand Theft Auto 4's NPCs having individual lives and schedules, but technical lead Obbe Vermeij stated the feature was too problematic and ultimately didn't significantly enhance the player experience. Vermeij suggested that players are generally accepting of less complex NPC behavior and that realism isn't always the primary goal in game design.
I Hope GTA 6 Borrows a Lot From GTA 4
The author hopes that Grand Theft Auto 6 will incorporate design elements from Grand Theft Auto 4. Having recently revisited Grand Theft Auto 4, the author believes Rockstar Games should draw inspiration from its predecessor for the upcoming title.
Before Grand Theft Auto Online, GTA 4's multiplayer added 'glorious chaos' to the open world sandbox
This article reflects on the 'glorious chaos' of Grand Theft Auto 4's multiplayer, contrasting it with the more structured and financially successful Grand Theft Auto Online. It highlights how GTA 4's PC version offered a 32-player limit and customizable options, leading to unique and emergent gameplay experiences that differed from its single-player counterpart.
The women of Grand Theft Auto: How film noir shaped (and limited) Rockstar's female characters
This article analyzes how film noir tropes have influenced the portrayal of female characters in the Grand Theft Auto series, often limiting them to archetypes with little agency. As Grand Theft Auto 6 introduces Lucia as a substantial female lead, the piece explores the potential for Rockstar Games to evolve beyond these historical constraints and create more complex, independent female characters, drawing parallels with modern cinematic interpretations of the femme fatale.
What happens after GTA 6?
The article argues that the era of the Western blockbuster game, heavily reliant on pushing graphical fidelity and realism, is ending, with Grand Theft Auto 6 potentially being the last of its kind. It suggests that while GTA 6 will be a massive success, its focus on hyper-realism may not resonate as strongly with players as it once did, especially as hardware costs rise and other games find success through unique art styles and gameplay innovation. The author posits that future game development may shift towards more diverse and complex experiences rather than an endless pursuit of graphical realism.
Rockstar's great Midnight Club racing series was killed off for one simple reason, and you can probably guess what…
Former Rockstar designer Kris Roberts explained that the Midnight Club racing series was canceled primarily due to its perceived lower status compared to Grand Theft Auto. Internal conflicts between studios and missed deadlines also contributed, but the overwhelming focus on the GTA franchise ultimately led to the series' demise, despite critical acclaim for titles like Midnight Club: Los Angeles.
The best GTA moments: Cracking the vault on the first 20 entries in our explosive Top 100 list in the run-up to GTA 6
This article ranks the top 100 moments from the Grand Theft Auto series in anticipation of Grand Theft Auto 6. It highlights memorable heists, robberies, character interactions, and unique gameplay elements across various titles, from the original PlayStation release to Grand Theft Auto 5.
Which GTA protagonist are you?
This article presents a personality quiz to determine which Grand Theft Auto protagonist players most resemble, in anticipation of Grand Theft Auto 6. It highlights the distinct motivations and styles of various protagonists from the series, including Tommy Vercetti and Niko Bellic, and encourages reader participation.
GTA 6 probably won't include any cut content, says GTA 5 producer, even though Rockstar snuck "unannounced" game's missions into GTA 4
Rockstar Games producer John Ricchio stated that Grand Theft Auto 6 is unlikely to include cut content from previous titles, although the developer has done so in the past, such as incorporating missions from an unannounced game into Grand Theft Auto 4. Ricchio explained that the reuse of assets depends heavily on technological similarities between games, but ideas are rarely the limiting factor in development.
Shack Chat: What is your favorite Grand Theft Auto game?
Shacknews staff members share their favorite entries in the Grand Theft Auto series, with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto 5 being frequently cited. Contributors recall memorable missions, soundtracks, and the overall impact these games had on their gaming experiences.
