Grand Theft Auto IV, Red Dead Redemption remasters reportedly shelved for GTA VI

It has been reported by Kotaku that Rockstar Games have dedicated their complete focus to Grand Theft Auto VI, casting aside their slate of remakes for the time being.

It is being speculated that the reason for the change in focus is the poor reception of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition, which released last year. An often-reliable insider first tweeted that GTA IV and Red Dead Redemption were ‘on the table’ but never greenlit and the GTA Trilogy may have been a key reason. Kotaku has since confirmed the report according to their sources.

As per a reliable source with clear accuracy on Rockstar plans, remasters of GTA IV & RDR1 were on the table a few years ago, but Rockstar chose not to proceed with the projects in mind.

The poor reception of the Trilogy DE might be a reason behind that decision.#GTAIV #RDR1

— Tez2 (@TezFunz2) July 4, 2022

Kotaku reports that their sources “with knowledge of Rockstar’s plans and future projects” state that the publisher is hoping that fans forget the debacle that came with the GTA Trilogy while they dedicate their focus to the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI.

On a more optimistic note, the report goes further suggest that Red Dead Redemption and GTA VI remaster aren’t entirely “out of scope” and could still happen once GTA VI is out. Kotaku concluded their report by saying they have contacted Rockstar Games for official word.

Last year Kotaku reported that while the GTA Trilogy was very much an existing entity, which had been proved months later with its announcement, Red Dead Redemption was also penciled in for development. At the time of the report, it was said that remastering RDR had been on the table for a few years already, not surprising given the success of the original. It has since been said that the GTA Trilogy backlash and growing demand for GTA 6 that the publisher has shifted plans and plans to move forward with the “next big thing”.

Kotaku have also said that at the time of the report sources tipped reception and sales as vital in future remasters.