Rockstar Games has officially acquired Video Games Deluxe, the developer behind Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, and has rebranded it as Rockstar Australia. This move comes after years of collaboration, including work on 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 crucial to differentiate Video Games Deluxe from Grove Street Games, which faced significant backlash for the substandard initial release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition in 2021. Grove Street Games' leader expressed frustration over their removal from the credits after a much-needed update, which was actually developed by Video Games Deluxe, resolved many of the game's issues.
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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Video Games Deluxe was established by Brendan McNamara, the founder of L.A. Noire developer Team Bondi. Team Bondi faced severe criticism in 2011 due to reported harsh working conditions during the development of L.A. Noire. The studio eventually shut down, and McNamara maintained a low profile until now.
McNamara shared his sentiments 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 establishment of Rockstar Australia coincides with the anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6, slated for release in fall 2025. Amidst this excitement, a former Rockstar developer attempted to clarify the delayed PC release of GTA 6, urging PC gamers to trust the studio's strategy despite the controversy.
For more insights on GTA 6, check out Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick's thoughts on the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6 launch.
