Three years ago, Rockstar Games published a trilogy of remastered Grand Theft Auto games, spanning GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas.
The supposed “Definitive Edition” was panned at launch over a litany of bugs, AI-upscaling so bad it turned bolts into donuts, and for stripping back artistic choices in such a way that made the Silent Hill HD Collection look faithful. Given that the original three games were delisted to make room for the bundle, the launch was especially disastrous.
Even now, Rockstar is trying to iron out many of the problems with the trilogy. Take today’s new update, which toggles the newly-added Classic Lighting feature on by default to try and bring us closer to what made the original atmospheres so memorable.
But what’s especially interesting about the patch is that Rockstar appears to have removed developer Grove Street Games from the opening credits, distancing itself from the studio completely.
What Has Grove Street Games Been Up To Since GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition?
The trilogy might still be receiving updates, but Grove Street Games has long since moved on, though not to greener pastures. It’s most recent release was the reimagined Ark: Survival Ascended.
Likewise slated at launch, reviews criticise the poor online performance and optimisation, arguing that you’re better off playing Survival Evolved. Sounds familiar, eh? It’s not a glowing indictment for the studio, especially with the reputation of the GTA Trilogy still lingering over its head, but to be removed from the opening credits is a strange update nonetheless.
However, on the official Rockstar website, Grove Street Games is still credited as having “adapted” the trilogy. They’re just less front and centre now.
