Rockstar Acquires GTA Trilogy Developer, Rebrands as Rockstar Australia

Rockstar has recently acquired Video Games Deluxe, the developer behind the updated versions of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, and has renamed the studio Rockstar Australia. This acquisition marks a significant step as Video Games Deluxe has a long-standing collaboration with Rockstar, having worked on several projects including 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 iOS, Android, Netflix, and modern consoles.

It's important to differentiate Video Games Deluxe from Grove Street Games, which faced significant backlash for the initial poor quality of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition released in 2021. The CEO of Grove Street Games expressed frustration over their removal from the credits following the much-needed update, which was actually developed by Video Games Deluxe.

Jennifer Kolbe, Head of Publishing at Rockstar Games, 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.”

Video Games Deluxe was founded by Brendan McNamara, who also founded Team Bondi, the original developer of L.A. Noire. McNamara's previous studio, Team Bondi, faced severe criticism for its working conditions during the development of L.A. Noire in 2011, leading to its eventual closure. Since then, McNamara has maintained a low profile. Reflecting on the acquisition, McNamara commented, “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 establishment of Rockstar Australia is timely as it coincides with the anticipation surrounding the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, scheduled for fall 2025. In related news, a former Rockstar developer in December 2023 attempted to justify the decision to release GTA 6 on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S before PC, urging PC gamers to trust the studio’s strategy. Additionally, Take-Two’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, addressed concerns about the future of GTA Online once GTA 6 launches.

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