Years after its initial release, Grand Theft Auto IV enthusiasts have finally gained access to an unreleased early version of the game.
This significant discovery was made possible when a dedicated player acquired an Xbox 360 development kit previously utilized by the original GTA IV creators. Crucially, this device still contained an early build of the game, preserving a wealth of previously cut content that never made it into the final release.
Technological enthusiasts and modders meticulously examined the recovered files and successfully managed to launch this hidden GTA IV build, bringing its secrets to light:
Following this breakthrough, modders released a video online, showcasing never-before-seen gameplay. The footage features the protagonist, Niko Bellic, exploring a restored ferry — an element that was present in early development but ultimately removed from the final version of the game.
Furthermore, an early beta version of Liberty City’s map was unveiled and put side-by-side with its final counterpart for comparison. While sharp-eyed players had previously spotted subtle references and partial renditions of this beta map within in-game car dealerships, it is now available for detailed, high-resolution exploration, offering new insights into the game’s development evolution.