GTA Developer Found GTA IV "Depressing" - And It Led Him to Quit

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 though…