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

Rockstar Acquires Video Games Deluxe, Establishes Rockstar Australia

Rockstar Games has acquired Video Games Deluxe, the developer behind the enhanced versions of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, renaming it Rockstar Australia. Video Games Deluxe boasts a history of collaboration with Rockstar, contributing to the 2017 re-releases of L.A. Noire and its VR counterpart, and more recently, overseeing improvements to the GTA Trilogy for iOS, Android, Netflix, and current-gen consoles.

This acquisition distinguishes itself from the controversy surrounding Grove Street Games, the original developer of the poorly received 2021 GTA Trilogy release. Video Games Deluxe, however, developed the subsequent update that addressed many of the initial criticisms. The head of Grove Street Games famously criticized Rockstar's decision to remove them from the updated game's credits.

Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar Games' Head of Publishing, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the long-standing collaboration between the two entities. Brendan McNamara, founder of Video Games Deluxe and former head of Team Bondi (the L.A. Noire developer), echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his team's dedication to creating high-quality games.

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McNamara's past, including allegations of poor working conditions at Team Bondi during L.A. Noire's development, are notable. However, this acquisition marks a new chapter for McNamara and his team.

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The formation of Rockstar Australia precedes the anticipated Fall 2025 release of Grand Theft Auto 6. Recent discussions have addressed the game's staggered release across platforms, with a former Rockstar developer urging patience regarding the PC launch. Further discussion surrounds the future of GTA Online following GTA 6's release.