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 history of collaborations 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's partnership with Video Games Deluxe from its previous collaboration with Grove Street Games, whose handling of the initial Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition release faced significant criticism. Video Games Deluxe was responsible for the subsequent update that addressed many of the game's initial 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, Rockstar Games Head of Publishing.
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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 challenging working conditions at Team Bondi during the development of L.A. Noire in 2011, the studio ultimately closed. McNamara subsequently maintained a lower public profile until this recent announcement.
“It’s been an honor collaborating with Rockstar Games over the past decade,” McNamara commented on the acquisition. “We're excited to officially join the Rockstar Games team and continue creating exceptional gaming experiences.”
AnswerSee ResultsThe formation of Rockstar Australia precedes the anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, currently slated for Fall 2025. In December 2023, a former Rockstar developer offered insight into the staggered PC release of GTA VI, urging PC gamers to remain patient. Further details regarding GTA VI, including Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick's comments on the future of GTA Online post-GTA VI's release, are also available.
