The rise and Fall of the Liberty City Preservation project
For fans of the Grand Theft Auto series, the Liberty City Preservation Project was a dream come true. This ambitious mod, created by the talented group World Travel, aimed to bring the iconic Liberty City from GTA IV into the world of GTA V.Though, the dream was short-lived. In a recent announcement on their Discord server, the team revealed that the project has been taken down following discussions with Rockstar Games.
“Due to the unexpected attention our project attracted, after talking to Rockstar Games, we decided to close the Liberty City Preservation Project,” the team stated. ”We appreciate the support it has received and look forward to continuing our passion for modifying the Grand Theft Auto series.”
While the announcement was diplomatic, the decision to shut down the mod didn’t come as a shock to many. Rockstar Games has a history of taking action against popular mods, especially those that repurpose their intellectual property. This isn’t the first time a beloved GTA mod has been “killed” by the studio, and it likely won’t be the last.
The Liberty City Preservation Project was no ordinary mod. it wasn’t just a simple map transfer; it was a labor of love that meticulously recreated Liberty city within GTA V. The mod included NPCs, vehicles, sound effects, and even a fully functional subway system from GTA IV. The level of detail was staggering, and it quickly gained a dedicated following.
Speculation about the mod’s fate began almost promptly after its release.Many players suspected that Rockstar Games woudl intervene, especially given rumors of an official GTA IV remaster in the works. While the exact nature of the discussions between the modders and Rockstar remains unclear, it’s widely believed that the studio threatened legal action if the project wasn’t removed.
For now, the Liberty City Preservation Project is no longer available, but its legacy lives on. It stands as a testament to the creativity and dedication of the modding community, even in the face of corporate constraints. As the team behind the project looks to the future, fans can onyl hope that their passion for Grand Theft Auto will lead to new and exciting endeavors.
If you missed out on experiencing the mod, you can still catch a glimpse of it in action through gameplay videos. One such video, created by Szymon “Rusnar” Rusnarczyk, showcases the mod’s incredible attention to detail and the seamless integration of Liberty City into GTA V.
What specific initiatives has Marcus “Mack” Thompson undertaken to address the affordability crisis and support small businesses in Liberty City?
Interview wiht Marcus “Mack” Thompson: The Rise and Fall of Liberty City
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Thompson. You’ve been a central figure in Liberty City’s conversion over the past two decades, from its rise as a cultural and economic hub to its recent struggles. Can you start by telling us about the early days of Liberty City and what made it so special?
Marcus “Mack” Thompson: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Liberty City in the early 2000s was a beacon of hope.It was a place where creativity, entrepreneurship, and community thrived. We had a booming arts scene, tech startups were popping up left and right, and the city was attracting talent from all over the country. It felt like we were building something truly unique—a city that balanced innovation with a strong sense of community.
Archyde: What do you think was the turning point for Liberty City’s success?
Mack: I’d say it was the combination of visionary leadership and grassroots energy. The city invested in infrastructure,like the Liberty City Innovation Hub,which became a magnet for tech companies. Simultaneously occurring, local artists and small businesses were given platforms to grow. It wasn’t just about money; it was about creating a culture of collaboration and ambition.
Archyde: But as we no, Liberty City has faced important challenges in recent years. What went wrong?
Mack: (sighs) It’s a complex issue,but I’d point to three main factors. First, the rapid growth led to skyrocketing living costs. Many of the artists and small businesses that made Liberty City vibrant were priced out. Second, the city became overly reliant on the tech sector. When the industry faced a downturn, it hit us hard. And third, political infighting and corruption eroded public trust. The very leaders who built Liberty City became disconnected from the peopel they were supposed to serve.
Archyde: That’s a sobering assessment. Do you think Liberty City can recover?
Mack: I’m an optimist at heart, so I believe it’s possible—but it won’t be easy. We need to address the root causes of inequality and rebuild trust in our institutions. The city also needs to diversify its economy and invest in lasting industries. most importantly, we have to bring the community back into the conversation. Liberty City’s strength has always been its people,and that’s where the solution lies.
Archyde: You’ve been involved in several initiatives to revitalize the city. Can you tell us about those?
Mack: Sure. I’ve been working with local nonprofits to create affordable housing and support small businesses. We’ve also launched the “Liberty reimagined” project,which brings together artists,entrepreneurs,and policymakers to brainstorm solutions. It’s about rekindling that spirit of collaboration that made Liberty City great in the first place.
Archyde: What’s your message to the people of liberty City who feel disillusioned right now?
Mack: My message is simple: don’t give up. Liberty City is more than just a place—it’s an idea. It’s the idea that we can build something better together. Yes, we’ve stumbled, but we’ve also proven that we’re capable of amazing things. If we come together, learn from our mistakes, and stay true to our values, I believe Liberty City’s best days are still ahead.
Archyde: Thank you, Mack, for your insights and your unwavering commitment to Liberty City. We look forward to seeing what the future holds.
Mack: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
End of Interview
Marcus “Mack” Thompson is a community leader, entrepreneur, and former city council member who has been instrumental in shaping Liberty City’s trajectory. His work continues to inspire hope and action in a city striving to reclaim its former glory.
Stay tuned to Archyde for more in-depth coverage of Liberty City’s journey.
