For a short period of time GTA 3, VC and SA were removed from storefronts… replaced with the “GTA Definitive Edition” which was essentially a buggy mobile port, ported back to PC, not supporting any of the existing mod ecosystem.
During that time the only way to get your hands on the real “definitive” versions of these games was the high seas.
I believe the originals are restored now, but IMO Take2/Rockstar have fully lined pockets already so 🏴☠️🚢