Grand Theft Auto IV is returning to Steam in March, but its multiplayer mode won’t be coming with it. Rockstar Games’ best-selling title was removed from the platform last month due to an issue with key generation with the failed Games for Windows Live service. Now, the studio has updated the game’s Steam page, saying that the game will be available again on March 19, 2020 without its open-world multiplayer component.
While those who have enjoyed GTAIV since 2008 are probably happy to see it return to Steam, the following changes make the process bittersweet. Multiplayer, leaderboards, and Games for Windows Live support have been removed from the game. However, all previous owners of either Grand Theft Auto IV or Episodes from Liberty City will have their game upgraded to the Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition for free upon release. This will be the only version available moving forward.
Additionally, radio stations RamJam FM, Self-Actualization FM, and Vice City FM will be temporarily unavailable upon relaunch, with Rockstar not currently having any timeline for their return. As of now, there don’t seem to be plans to update the game with its multiplayer mode in the future.
More detailed instructions on how to upgrade your specific copy of the game can be found at the game’s Steam page. Thankfully, the studio says you’ll still be able to play with your past Grand Theft Auto IV save files upon re-accessing the game.
