Threads
- Rockstar has released some of the biggest franchises over the years.
- I believe the studio should now honor these IPs by releasing various remakes.
- Since remaking has become a popular trend, the studio’s biggest IPs would be right at home if they were re-released.
Rockstar has been my favorite studio for many years, without any doubt. From releasing iconic titles like GTA Vice City to Bully, I have loved every second of my time with this studio’s games.
However, I have noticed that while other publishers are acknowledging their top franchises, like Naughty Dog and Capcom, releasing remakes of The Last of Us and Resident Evil, respectively, Rockstar is missing out on the opportunity.
I find remakes and remasters to be the safest approach for big studios, but their popularity is undeniable. With the likes of Ubisoft recently confirming remakes, the entire industry is following this trend. Therefore, this trend is clearly here to stay, and I want Rockstar to join in.
Why it matters: The developer seems to be ignoring most of its classic IPs, leading to demand for such re-releases.
Rockstar’s Tight Release Schedule
Let’s face it. Rockstar has changed drastically over the years. The studio no longer releases games one after another. Instead, it releases one or two games each decade.
Following GTA 5’s monumental success, Red Dead Redemption 2 came out in 2018. GTA 6 is coming next year, but there’s no telling when the studio’s next game after GTA 6 will arrive.
While this release schedule guarantees quality like none other, it also leaves fans craving more. The wait for GTA 6 has arguably been the most painful of any sequel since the studio took a whopping 10 years to even reveal the game.
I believe remakes can help Rockstar address this problem. Imagine receiving remakes of GTA 4 and San Andreas after GTA 6. The best part about this approach is that such projects can be outsourced.
This would ensure that the studio’s main projects move forward uninterrupted and fans remain satisfied with new releases.
The Potential of Remakes
When it comes to remakes, nobody does it better than Capcom. The studio has shown how remakes should be done while highlighting their potential in the market.
The likes of Resident Evil 2 Remake have sold north of 14 million units, while last year’s Resident Evil 4 sold 7 million units in a single year. In fact, this entry was so great that it was nominated for Game of The Year.
These examples scratch the surface of everything remakes can achieve. I doubt it’s an understatement to say that Rockstar would see far greater success if it released even a single remake.
Rockstar’s Remakes
I’ll start with my favorite title from Rockstar, Bully. I will always regret that Bully 2 was cancelled.
However, if anything could make me forget this cancellation, it would be the remake this series deserves. The franchise has a massive following, and fans have been waiting for years to hear the exciting news.
Midnight Club is another major franchise that the developer should revive. While the last entry was released over 15 years ago, this series still has a place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Moreover, the current state of arcade racing is practically begging for such a remake. While IPs like L.A. Noire and Red Dead Redemption are also remake-worthy, the biggest contender is undoubtedly Grand Theft Auto.
GTA 4, San Andreas, and Vice City would all be massive releases if the developer ever chose to go the remake route with this series. My personal favorite here is GTA 4. Released over 15 years ago, it still stands out for its atmosphere and dark story.
Rockstar’s history with re-releases has been mixed so far. Following the disappointing GTA Trilogy and underwhelming Red Dead Redemption remaster, the team seems to have made the right choice for Max Payne.
While this IP is typically not associated with Rockstar, a collaboration with Remedy paves the path for similar projects from the studio in the future. Perhaps the team will be willing to lend its biggest IPs to other studios again if the Max Payne remakes succeed.
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[News Reporter]
Abiyan is on track to complete his Computer Science bachelor’s degree. His enthusiasm for writing and gaming motivates him to keep readers and gamers updated with the latest information from the industry. In his free time, Abiyan enjoys playing Dota 2 and Rocket League. Abiyan has also been cited in reputed websites such as Kitguru, Comicbook, GamingBible, Eurogamer and Gamingbolt.
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