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

Rockstar Games has acquired Video Games Deluxe, renaming it Rockstar Australia. Video Games Deluxe boasts a strong history of collaboration with Rockstar, contributing to projects like the 2017 L.A. Noire re-releases and, most recently, crucial upgrades to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition across iOS, Android, Netflix, and modern consoles. This acquisition notably distinguishes Rockstar Australia from Grove Street Games, the developer of the initially poorly-received 2021 Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, whose lead faced criticism after being removed from the game's credits following the recent update (an update developed by Video Games Deluxe).

“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 L.A. Noire’s development in 2011, the studio ultimately closed. McNamara maintained a relatively low profile until this recent announcement.

“It’s been an honor collaborating with Rockstar Games over the past decade,” McNamara commented. “We’re excited to officially join the Rockstar Games team and continue creating exceptional gaming experiences.”

The establishment of Rockstar Australia precedes the anticipated Fall 2025 release of Grand Theft Auto VI. In December 2023, a former Rockstar developer offered insight into the staggered PC release, urging patience from PC gamers. Further details regarding GTA VI, including Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s comments on GTA Online’s future alongside GTA VI, are also available.