Rockstar Games has officially acquired Video Games Deluxe, the developer behind the recent updates to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, and has rebranded it as Rockstar Australia. This move marks a significant milestone for the studio, which has collaborated with Rockstar on various projects over the years, including the 2017 re-releases of L.A. Noire and L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, as well as enhancements to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition for iOS, Android, Netflix, and modern consoles.
It's important to distinguish Video Games Deluxe from Grove Street Games, which faced backlash for the initial poor quality of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition released in 2021. Grove Street Games' leader expressed frustration over being omitted from the credits after a much-needed update improved the game, an update that 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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Video Games Deluxe was founded by Brendan McNamara, who previously established Team Bondi, the developer of L.A. Noire. McNamara's career took a hit when allegations of poor working conditions at Team Bondi surfaced in 2011, leading to the studio's closure. Since then, McNamara has maintained a lower profile.
Commenting on the acquisition, McNamara said, "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 coincides with the much-anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6, slated for fall 2025. In a related development, a former Rockstar developer in December 2023 attempted to justify the delayed PC release of GTA 6 following its launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, urging PC gamers to trust the studio's strategy.
For more on GTA 6, including insights from Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick regarding the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6 launch, stay tuned.
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