GTA IV's Lead Developer Left Rockstar, Finding the Game Too Dark
Grand Theft Auto IV stands apart from other installments in the series, known for its serious and somber tone compared to the typically over-the-top antics of other Rockstar titles. While many gamers expressed reservations about this shift in direction, it turns out they weren't alone.
Obbe Vermeij, a veteran developer at Rockstar Games, played a key role in the development of several GTA games, including GTA IV. However, he left the company after its release, citing the game's dark atmosphere as a significant factor. Vermeij expressed concerns that Rockstar was moving away from the series' signature humor and leaning too heavily into bleak themes.
In his own words:
"When we did GTA IV, I felt it was too serious, too dark, and even depressing. When I decided to leave after it was finished, it was for several reasons. One of them was my wife - she's Canadian and wanted to move back. But I also thought GTA IV was not that good, less funny, compared to the previous games. I thought the next one was going to be even darker. I'm happy to be proven wrong. GTA V is a lot more lighthearted than GTA IV. That's where I went wrong."
GTA IV's release in 2008, despite taking place in a familiar Liberty City, was indeed a departure from the series' norm, embracing a more gritty and realistic atmosphere. However, the game received critical acclaim and garnered positive feedback from many players, achieving an impressive user score of 8.2 out of 10.