Rockstar Buys Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition Developer, Renames It Rockstar Australia

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 strong history of collaboration with Rockstar, contributing to the 2017 re-releases of L.A. Noire and L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, and most recently, spearheading the upgrades for Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition across iOS, Android, Netflix, and modern consoles. This acquisition is distinct from Grove Street Games, the studio initially responsible for the 2021 release of the trilogy, which faced significant criticism for the game's poor quality. Video Games Deluxe developed the subsequent update that addressed these 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, Head of Publishing at Rockstar Games.

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Video Games Deluxe was founded by Brendan McNamara, 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 has since maintained a lower public profile.

“It’s been an honor collaborating with Rockstar Games over the past decade,” McNamara shared in a statement accompanying the acquisition announcement. “We’re excited to officially join the Rockstar Games team and continue our commitment to creating exceptional gaming experiences.”

The establishment 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 planned staggered PC release, urging PC gamers to remain patient. Further details are available regarding Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick’s comments addressing concerns about the future of GTA Online following the release of GTA VI.