Ultimate Rockstar Projects Beyond GTA 6: Hidden Games 2026
While the gaming world holds its breath for GTA 6’s Fall 2025 release, I’ve been diving deep into what else Rockstar Games has brewing in their legendary development studios. After analyzing recent Take-Two Interactive earnings calls, support website leaks, and official partnership announcements, I can confirm that Rockstar isn’t just sitting idle waiting for their biggest release ever. In fact, they’re juggling multiple projects that could reshape their entire catalog over the next few years.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recently confirmed that Rockstar has “other things” in development beyond GTA 6, and I’ve spent considerable time piecing together exactly what these projects are. From confirmed Max Payne remakes to strongly rumored GTA 4 remasters, the evidence points to an incredibly busy period ahead for one of gaming’s most secretive developers. As someone who’s covered comprehensive gaming analysis for years, let me share everything I’ve uncovered about Rockstar’s hidden development pipeline.
Confirmed Projects: What We Know for Certain
Max Payne 1 & 2 Remakes – The Partnership That’s Actually Working
The most concrete project outside of GTA 6 is the Max Payne 1 & 2 remake, and I’m genuinely excited about how this collaboration is progressing. Remedy Entertainment, the original creators of Max Payne, are developing these remakes with Rockstar’s close supervision and funding. Having followed Remedy’s recent work on Alan Wake 2 and Control, I can tell you their modern technical expertise combined with Rockstar’s production values could create something spectacular.
According to Remedy’s November 2024 financial report, the Max Payne remakes have hit “important milestones” in development. What makes this particularly interesting is that both games are being developed as a single package, running on Remedy’s Northlight engine – the same powerhouse that made Alan Wake 2 look absolutely stunning. I’ve played through the original Max Payne games recently, and imagining those noir-soaked corridors and bullet-time sequences with modern graphics makes my trigger finger itchy already.
The partnership structure here is fascinating too. Rockstar is funding the entire development, which Remedy has confirmed will be on par with a “typical Remedy AAA production.” Based on their recent releases, we’re looking at a development budget likely exceeding $50 million. This isn’t some quick cash-grab remaster – it’s a full ground-up remake of both games.
Take-Two’s “Four New Iterations” – The Numbers Don’t Lie
During Take-Two’s February 2025 earnings call, they dropped a bombshell that many overlooked: four “new iterations of previously released titles” are coming by April 2026. Now, I’ve been tracking Take-Two’s release patterns for years, and when they use this specific language, they’re talking about remasters or enhanced editions, not simple ports.
Based on my analysis of their portfolio and recent industry movements, here’s what I believe these four iterations likely include:
- Red Dead Redemption 2 current-generation upgrade (PS5/Xbox Series X|S)
- GTA 4 remaster or enhanced edition
- Red Dead Redemption 1 for additional platforms
- Potentially a surprise entry from their back catalog
The timing here is crucial. With GTA 6 launching in Fall 2025, these releases would help maintain momentum and revenue streams throughout 2025 and early 2026, perfectly aligning with the cross-platform gaming trends dominating the industry.
The Website Leak That Changed Everything
Red Dead Redemption 2’s Mysterious Support Options
In July 2025, eagle-eyed Reddit users discovered something fascinating on Rockstar’s support website that I immediately investigated myself. New support categories appeared for Red Dead Redemption 2 that didn’t match any existing version of the game. Specifically, there was an “Online Character Migration” option that currently serves no purpose – RDR2 doesn’t support character transfers between platforms.
Having covered similar leaks before previous Rockstar announcements, I can tell you this isn’t a random website error. The last time similar support options appeared prematurely, we got the GTA Online standalone release three months later. My gaming instincts tell me we’re looking at a current-gen upgrade of RDR2 that will finally allow players to transfer their online progress from last-gen consoles.
GTA 4’s PlayStation Support Mystery
Even more intriguing was the discovery of PlayStation 4 support options for GTA 4 – a game that never released on PS4. I actually booted up my PS5 to check if somehow I’d missed a backward compatibility update, but no dice. The original GTA 4 remains locked to PS3 and Xbox 360 (plus PC, of course).
Trusted Rockstar insider Tez2, who has an impressive track record with leaks, claims a GTA 4 remaster is targeting late 2025. Considering GTA 4’s 2008 release and its incredible narrative that I still consider Rockstar’s best character work, a remaster makes perfect sense. Liberty City deserves the same treatment Los Santos got with GTA 5’s enhanced editions.
What the Community Really Wants (And Might Actually Get)
Bully 2: The Dream That Won’t Die
I’ve been part of the gaming community long enough to witness countless “Bully 2 confirmed!” false alarms, but the demand for this sequel remains absolutely staggering. In my recent deep dive through gaming forums and social media, Bully 2 consistently tops wishlists – even above GTA 7 or a new Red Dead game. The original Bully holds a special place in many gamers’ hearts, mine included, as one of Rockstar’s most unique and charming titles.
Unfortunately, my research into industry sources suggests Bully 2 has been started and cancelled multiple times within Rockstar. The most credible reports indicate at least two separate Bully sequel projects were in development before being shelved to focus resources on bigger titles. While I’d love to return to Bullworth Academy with modern gameplay mechanics, the reality is that Rockstar’s focus on their billion-dollar franchises makes Bully 2 increasingly unlikely in the near term.
L.A. Noire: The Sequel We Deserve
Another personal favorite that deserves discussion is L.A. Noire. While Team Bondi developed the original with Rockstar’s publishing support, the IP remains with Rockstar. The game’s unique interrogation mechanics and meticulously recreated 1940s Los Angeles created an experience unlike anything else in gaming. I still boot it up occasionally just to cruise around that incredible recreation of vintage L.A.
Industry speculation suggests Rockstar has considered various approaches to continuing L.A. Noire, including a sequel set in a different time period or city. However, the complex and expensive motion capture technology that made the original special would require significant investment to modernize. For now, this remains firmly in the “maybe someday” category, though it would offer gamers diverse gaming experiences beyond their usual open-world crime formula.
The Nintendo Factor: Switch 2 and Rockstar’s Portable Future
Red Dead Redemption’s Switch Success Story
When Red Dead Redemption finally arrived on Nintendo Switch in August 2023, I was skeptical about how well it would run. To my surprise, the port was excellent, proving that Rockstar’s older titles can thrive on Nintendo hardware. The game’s commercial success on Switch has clearly caught Rockstar’s attention.
With Nintendo Switch 2 rumors pointing to significantly more powerful hardware, I’m convinced we’ll see more Rockstar titles make the jump. Industry analyst Nate the Hate, who has solid connections, claims Red Dead Redemption 2 is being considered for Switch 2. While that sounds ambitious even for upgraded hardware, stranger things have happened in gaming.
GTA’s Portable Possibilities
More realistically, I expect GTA 4’s potential remaster and the older GTA titles to find their way to Switch 2. The portable gaming market has exploded since the pandemic, and Rockstar would be foolish to ignore it. My prediction? We’ll see a steady stream of Rockstar’s back catalog hitting Nintendo’s next console throughout 2026 and beyond.
The Development Timeline: Reading Between the Lines
Why Timing Matters More Than Ever?
Understanding Rockstar’s development timeline requires looking at their historical patterns. I’ve tracked every major Rockstar release since GTA 3, and they’ve never been a studio to rush products. The disastrous launch of GTA: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition in 2021 taught them (and us) a valuable lesson about quality control.
With GTA 6 consuming massive resources, any additional projects need to be either outsourced (like Max Payne to Remedy) or built by smaller internal teams. This explains why we’re seeing remasters rather than new IPs. It’s a smart strategy that keeps the pipeline flowing without compromising their marquee release.
The 2025-2026 Release Calendar
Based on all available evidence and my analysis of Rockstar’s patterns, here’s my predicted release timeline:
- Fall 2025: GTA 6 (confirmed)
- Late 2025/Early 2026: GTA 4 Remaster
- Q1 2026: Red Dead Redemption 2 Current-Gen Upgrade
- 2026: Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake
- 2026-2027: Additional catalog remasters for new platforms
This schedule makes sense from both a development and marketing perspective. It maintains momentum post-GTA 6 while giving each release room to breathe.
The Technical Evolution: What These Remasters Could Bring
Ray Tracing and Modern Visual Enhancements
Having played through recent remasters like Dead Space and Resident Evil 4, I’ve seen how transformative modern technology can be for older games. Imagine GTA 4’s Liberty City with ray-traced reflections in those rain-soaked streets. Or Red Dead Redemption 2, already gorgeous, running at native 4K/60fps with enhanced draw distances that let you see even further across those stunning vistas.
The technical improvements wouldn’t just be visual. I expect enhanced loading times thanks to SSD optimization, improved controls that address original complaints, and potentially even content that was cut from original releases. Rockstar has a history of adding substantial content to their enhanced editions – just look at GTA 5’s multiple re-releases.
Online Integration and Cross-Progression
One aspect I’m particularly interested in is how Rockstar will handle online components. The website leak mentioning character migration for RDR2 suggests they’re finally embracing cross-progression. As someone who’s invested hundreds of hours in Red Dead Online across different platforms, the ability to maintain progress regardless of system would be game-changing.
The Business Reality: Why These Projects Make Sense
Revenue Streams Beyond GTA 6
From a business perspective, Rockstar’s strategy is brilliant. GTA 6 will undoubtedly be massive, but relying on a single title is risky even for guaranteed blockbusters. These additional projects provide steady revenue streams and keep the brand visible across different market segments.
The remaster strategy particularly makes sense when you consider development costs versus potential returns. A GTA 4 remaster might cost $20-30 million to develop but could easily generate $200+ million in revenue based on similar releases. That’s a return on investment any publisher would love.
Expanding the Audience
Each of these projects also serves to expand Rockstar’s audience. Younger gamers who missed GTA 4’s original release can experience one of gaming’s best stories. Switch 2 ports open up the portable market. The Max Payne remakes introduce a new generation to a beloved franchise while satisfying nostalgia for veteran gamers like myself.
Community Reaction and Expectations
Managing the Hype Responsibly
The gaming community’s reaction to these potential projects has been mixed but generally positive. I’ve noticed a shift from the skepticism that followed the GTA Trilogy debacle to cautious optimism. The key difference? These new projects appear to have proper development time and resources, especially the outsourced Max Payne remakes.
However, I always advise tempering expectations. Not every rumored project will materialize, and release dates in gaming are notoriously fluid. What we can count on is that Rockstar is actively developing multiple projects beyond GTA 6, even if the exact nature and timing remain uncertain.
What This Means for Gaming’s Future?
Rockstar’s multi-project strategy signals a broader industry trend I’ve been tracking: major publishers are increasingly mining their back catalogs while developing new tentpole releases. It’s a way to manage risk while maintaining player engagement across longer development cycles.
For gamers, this is mostly positive. We get to revisit classics with modern polish while waiting for new experiences. The key is whether publishers commit to quality remasters that respect the originals or rush out cash grabs. Based on recent evidence, Rockstar seems committed to the former approach.
My Personal Take: What I’m Most Excited About
After all this analysis, I’m personally most excited about three things. First, the Max Payne remakes in Remedy’s capable hands could be absolutely phenomenal. Second, a proper GTA 4 remaster would let me revisit Niko Bellic’s story with the presentation it deserves. Third, the possibility of Red Dead Redemption 2 at 60fps on console would finally deliver the smooth gameplay that masterpiece deserves.
What I’m trying to manage expectations about is Bully 2. As much as I’d love to see it happen, the evidence just isn’t there. Sometimes in gaming, we need to accept that certain dreams might remain just that – dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rockstar really working on projects besides GTA 6?
Yes, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has confirmed Rockstar has “other things” in development. The most concrete evidence includes the confirmed Max Payne remakes and Take-Two’s announcement of four “new iterations” of previously released titles coming by April 2026.
When will the Max Payne remakes be released?
Remedy Entertainment hasn’t announced a specific release date, but based on their November 2024 financial reports mentioning “important milestones,” I predict we’ll see these remakes sometime in 2026.
Will GTA 4 get a remaster?
Strong evidence suggests yes, including PlayStation 4 support options discovered on Rockstar’s website and insider reports from trusted sources like Tez2. A late 2025 or early 2026 release seems most likely.
Is Bully 2 actually happening?
Unfortunately, there’s no credible evidence supporting Bully 2’s development. While the community demand is enormous, industry sources suggest multiple Bully projects have been started and cancelled over the years.
Conclusion: A Busy Future for Rockstar Games
While GTA 6 dominates headlines and rightfully so, Rockstar’s “other things” paint a picture of a studio that’s far from one-dimensional. Between confirmed projects like the Max Payne remakes, strongly evidenced remasters of GTA 4 and RDR2 upgrades, and the potential for expanded platform releases, Rockstar’s next few years look incredibly busy.
The strategy makes perfect sense: leverage beloved properties to maintain revenue and engagement while the main teams perfect GTA 6 and begin planning what comes after. For fans like myself who’ve followed Rockstar since the PS2 era, it’s an exciting time that promises both nostalgia and innovation.
What remains to be seen is the execution. The gaming industry is littered with remasters that failed to capture the original magic. But if any studio has earned the benefit of the doubt through sheer quality over the years, it’s Rockstar Games. I’ll be watching every announcement, analyzing every leak, and yes, probably buying every single one of these releases. Because when Rockstar says they have “other things” in development, history suggests we should pay attention.
Keep your eyes on those support websites, watch for Take-Two’s earnings calls, and remember – in the world of Rockstar Games, even the smallest detail can signal something huge on the horizon. The next few years aren’t just about GTA 6; they’re about Rockstar potentially revolutionizing their entire catalog for a new generation of gaming.