Rockstar Games has acquired Video Games Deluxe, the developer behind Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, renaming it Rockstar Australia. Video Games Deluxe boasts a strong history of collaboration with Rockstar, contributing to the 2017 re-releases of L.A. Noire and L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, and more recently, spearheading crucial upgrades for Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition across iOS, Android, Netflix, and modern consoles. This acquisition distinguishes Rockstar Australia from Grove Street Games, the original developer of the trilogy whose controversial removal from the game's credits following a significant update (developed by Video Games Deluxe) sparked considerable controversy.
“After a long and successful partnership, we’re thrilled to welcome Video Games Deluxe to the Rockstar family as Rockstar Australia,” stated Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar Games Head of Publishing.
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Video Games Deluxe was founded by Brendan McNamara, the founder of Team Bondi, the studio behind L.A. Noire. Following allegations of challenging working conditions at Team Bondi during L.A. Noire’s development in 2011, the studio ultimately closed. McNamara subsequently maintained a lower profile until this recent announcement.
“It’s been an honor collaborating with Rockstar Games over the past decade,” McNamara commented. “We’re excited to officially join the Rockstar Games team and continue our commitment to 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 of GTA 6, urging PC gamers to remain patient. Further details regarding GTA 6, including Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s response to concerns about the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6 release, are also available.
