Grand Theft Auto 4 Returning To Steam, But Without Multiplayer

After being delisted on Steam, Grand Theft Auto 4 will return to Valve’s platform as Grand Theft Auto 4: Complete Edition. However, despite the name, this version is missing something: the game’s multiplayer mode. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2013/05/08/igns-top-10-grand-theft-auto-4-mods"] From March 19, Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition will be added to Steam and any other digital distribution platform where GTA 4 is sold. This version will replace Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City, effectively combining them into a single package. Existing owners will have their version replaced with this one, which means those who only own GTA 4 will actually be upgraded to the Complete Edition. This change is a result of Microsoft dropping support for Games for Windows Live, which was integrated into the PC version of GTA 4. The lack of support has forced Rockstar to make some adjustments to the game, which unfortunately has meant the removal of multiplayer and leaderboards. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-rockstar-game-review-ever&captions=true"] The new version will also lack three radio stations - RamJam FM, Self-Actualization FM, and Vice City FM - although Rockstar’s statement on the GTA 4 Steam page claims that this is a temporary situation. Steam users will find that the automatic update will do the heavy lifting for them, but those with Windows Store or physical media copies will need to do some extra work. The key codes provided in physical media boxes can now be used to claim the game digitally, provided they are currently unclaimed. Those with versions of GTA 4 claimed in the Windows Store via Games for Windows Live will need to link their Microsoft account with the Rockstar Social Club, which will then replace the old version with a new copy of Grand Theft Auto 4: Complete Edition. In other Rockstar news, Dan Houser - co-founder of the developer and writer of GTA 4 - recently announced that he’s departed Rockstar. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter.