Rockstar’s next big open world blockbuster Grand Theft Auto 6 may be ways off but it seems there will be something to fill the gap in the meantime. Sources speaking to Kotaku, who have reliable tracks records with regards to Grand Theft Auto Online and Red Dead Online updates, have revealed that remasters for Grand Theft Auto 3, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City are in the works. They’re reportedly planned to release in late October or early November for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Google Stadia, PS4, PS5 and mobiles.
Three sources speaking to site revealed that all three titles were being remastered in Unreal Engine and had a mix of “new and old graphics” (with one noting that it reminded them of a classic GTA game that’s been heavily modded). The gameplay will remain as true to the originals as possible though the UI is being updated while retaining the same look. Interestingly, it seems that Rockstar Dundee, a newer studio under Rockstar Games (formerly known as Ruffian Games), is leading development and also helping to develop Grand Theft Auto 5 for Xbox Series X/S and PS5.
Plans for the remasters’ release has changed significantly over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic – they were originally meant to be “thank you” gifts for those who purchased GTA 5 and GTA Online on current-gen consoles. Then they were slated to release earlier this year before being delayed to the current release window. At this point, Rockstar is focusing on the console versions, which could lead to the PC and mobile versions releasing next year. It also seems that all three titles will be launched simultaneously instead of separately.
Rockstar is also reportedly planning ports for titles like Red Dead Redemption, though it depends on how well the upcoming GTA remasters perform. Stay tuned for more details and, hopefully, an official announcement in the coming weeks.