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, L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, and most recently, crucial upgrades to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition for iOS, Android, Netflix, and modern consoles. This is distinct from Grove Street Games, whose involvement with the original trilogy's troubled launch in 2021 resulted in significant criticism and the removal of their credits following subsequent updates—updates 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, Rockstar Games Head of Publishing.

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Video Games Deluxe was founded by Brendan McNamara, the founder of Team Bondi, the studio behind L.A. Noire. McNamara has maintained a relatively low profile since allegations of poor working conditions at Team Bondi surfaced in 2011.

"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 Rockstar Games 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 PC gamers to remain patient. Further details regarding GTA VI, including Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick's comments on the future of GTA Online, are also available.