In a move that has stirred excitement among fans of the Dreamcast, the team known for porting Grand Theft Auto III to the console has announced plans to bring Vice City to Sega’s final machine. The news, reported by Time Extension, marks a promising return for fans who have long cherished the unique charm of early open-world adventures wrapped up with one of the greatest sound tracks ever.
Developers SKMP—celebrated for their innovative adaptation of GTA III to the Dreamcast’s —now aim to capture the vibrant spirit of Vice City. Although still in the early stages, the project is expected to deliver updated visuals and refined gameplay mechanics that remain faithful to the game’s roots.
— Stefanos Kornilios Mitsis Poiitidis (@poiitidis) February 24, 2025
The announcement arrives at a time when a resurgence of interest in early 2000s gaming is evident. Many in the gaming community recall Vice City as more than just a title; it is seen as an emblem of a transformative era defined by bold creativity and groundbreaking design (and amazing music).
As details remain limited, Sega and GTA fans wait to see what can be achieved by this talented group of developers on the Dreamcast hardware. The Dreamcast is experience a revival of late with some interesting project emerging, such as being able to save your games in the cloud, as we reported previously.
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Fan communities in the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) universe have a long tradition of creating ambitious mods that extend the life and appeal of older titles. One such endeavour gaining traction is a fan-driven project remastering GTA: Vice City within the more modern framework of GTA IV. Hosted in part on the Russian social platform VK (via this group) and showcased in its “Nextgen Edition Teaser Trailer,” this unofficial project seeks to recreate the neon-lit streets of 1980s Vice City in Rockstar’s upgraded RAGE engine, first used in GTA IV.
Credit: VK / GTA Next Gen
Though Rockstar Games themselves have not endorsed this mod, enthusiasts are eager to see how the iconic pastel aesthetic of Vice City might shine with improved lighting, textures, and physics from GTA IV. The project’s lead developers, whose identities remain partially anonymous to avoid legal entanglements, have shared periodic updates indicating that they aim to include the original storyline missions alongside fresh content. Their progress so far suggests careful attention to detail, from the palm trees swaying in the breeze to the reflection of neon lights across updated car models.
According to discussion threads, this “GTA Vice City Nextgen Edition” hopes to harness the best of GTA IV’s technical features. Enhanced character models, more immersive weather cycles, and overhauled vehicle handling are just some of the upgrades fans can anticipate. While the team has not confirmed an exact release date, they have clarified that a playable beta might emerge once they stabilise the mod’s performance. Attempting to merge a map as large and distinct as Vice City into a different game engine is no trivial feat, and testers have reported occasional crashes and missing textures during early builds.
Many fans wonder about the possibility of takedown notices. Historically, Rockstar has sometimes tolerated high-effort fan projects, provided they don’t violate specific copyright guidelines or monetise content. That said, there is always a risk of legal pushback—particularly because this mod, in essence, remasters a Rockstar intellectual property within an official Rockstar engine. Still, the developers remain cautiously optimistic, stating that they intend to release the mod purely for free, driven by their passion for Vice City’s nostalgic vibe.
The teaser trailer—featured in community forums and channels—displays glimpses of Tommy Vercetti’s classic outfits, swirl-of-sunset skies, and updated building textures reminiscent of Miami’s Art Deco neighbourhoods. If completed successfully, this project could offer a new way to experience GTA: Vice City with contemporary visuals and physics, bridging the gap between nostalgic memories and modern gameplay conveniences.
For those intrigued by this fan-driven labour of love, keeping tabs on their VK group and video teasers is the best way to follow developments. As with any volunteer-led project, timelines may shift. But there is no doubt that the modders’ commitment to bringing Vice City into GTA IV’s engine underscores the passion and creativity found within the Grand Theft Auto community.
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