Rockstar Games has recently acquired Video Games Deluxe, the developer behind Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, and has rebranded it as Rockstar Australia. This acquisition marks a significant step for Rockstar, as Video Games Deluxe has been a key collaborator 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 for Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition across iOS, Android, Netflix, and modern consoles.
It's important to clarify that Video Games Deluxe is distinct from Grove Street Games, which faced criticism for the initial poor quality of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition in 2021. Grove Street Games' leader expressed frustration over being omitted from the credits following a long-awaited update that resolved many of the game's issues, an update 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.”
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Video Games Deluxe was founded by Brendan McNamara, previously known for founding Team Bondi, the developer of L.A. Noire. Team Bondi faced severe allegations of poor working conditions in 2011, leading to its eventual closure. Since then, McNamara has maintained a low profile until this recent move. He commented 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 is particularly timely as it precedes the anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6, slated for fall 2025. In light of this, a former Rockstar developer in December 2023 addressed the decision to release GTA 6 on PC after its launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S, urging PC gamers to trust the studio's approach.
For more insights on GTA 6, including comments from Take-Two's Strauss Zelnick about the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6 release, stay tuned for further updates.
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