Rockstar Acquires GTA Trilogy Developer, Renames to Rockstar Australia

Rockstar Games has recently acquired Video Games Deluxe, the developer behind Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, and has rebranded it as Rockstar Australia. This studio has a longstanding collaboration with Rockstar, contributing to projects like the 2017 re-releases of L.A. Noire and L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, as well as recent enhancements to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition for various platforms including iOS, Android, Netflix, and modern consoles.

It's important to differentiate Video Games Deluxe from Grove Street Games, which faced significant criticism for the subpar initial release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition in 2021. The CEO of Grove Street Games expressed frustration over being omitted from the credits of a subsequent update, which was actually developed by Video Games Deluxe.

Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar Games' Head of Publishing, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "After working together closely over many years, we are excited to have Video Games Deluxe join the team as Rockstar Australia."

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16 ImagesVideo Games Deluxe was established by Brendan McNamara, who also founded Team Bondi, the original developer of L.A. Noire. McNamara faced scrutiny in 2011 due to reports of harsh working conditions at Team Bondi during the development of L.A. Noire. Following the studio's closure, McNamara maintained a low profile until now. He commented on the acquisition, saying, "It’s been an honor to work closely with Rockstar Games this past decade. We are thrilled to be a part of Rockstar Games and to continue our efforts to make the best games possible."

The formation of Rockstar Australia is particularly timely as it precedes the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6, slated for fall 2025. In late 2023, a former Rockstar developer shed light on the decision to release GTA 6 on PC after its launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, urging PC gamers to remain patient and supportive of Rockstar's strategy.

For more insights on GTA 6, including comments from Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick on the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6 launch, stay tuned to our updates.