Rockstar Games has acquired Video Games Deluxe, renaming it Rockstar Australia. Video Games Deluxe boasts a strong history of collaboration with Rockstar, contributing to projects like the 2017 re-releases of L.A. Noire and L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, and most recently, handling upgrades for Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition across iOS, Android, Netflix, and modern consoles. This acquisition is distinct from Grove Street Games, the developer initially responsible for the 2021 release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, which faced significant criticism for its quality. Video Games Deluxe, however, developed the subsequent update that addressed many of those issues.
"After a long and successful partnership, we're thrilled to welcome Video Games Deluxe to the Rockstar family as Rockstar Australia," stated Jennifer Kolbe, Head of Publishing at Rockstar Games.
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Video Games Deluxe was founded by Brendan McNamara, also the founder of Team Bondi, the studio behind L.A. Noire. Following allegations of poor working conditions at Team Bondi during L.A. Noire's development in 2011, the studio closed. McNamara has maintained a relatively low profile since then.
"It's been an honor collaborating with Rockstar Games over the past decade," McNamara shared in a statement accompanying the acquisition announcement. "We're excited to officially join Rockstar Games and continue our work creating exceptional gaming experiences."
AnswerSee ResultsThe establishment of Rockstar Australia precedes the anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto 6, currently slated for Fall 2025. In December 2023, a former Rockstar developer offered insight into the staggered PC release strategy for GTA 6, urging PC gamers to show patience and understanding. Further details are available regarding Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick’s comments addressing concerns about the future of GTA Online following the release of GTA 6.
