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 Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, renaming it Rockstar Australia. Video Games Deluxe boasts a history of collaboration with Rockstar, contributing to projects such as the 2017 re-releases of L.A. Noire and its VR counterpart, and more recently, the iOS/Android, Netflix, and modern console upgrades for Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.

This acquisition distinguishes itself from the controversial involvement of Grove Street Games, whose work on the initial 2021 release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition faced significant criticism for its poor quality. Video Games Deluxe, however, developed the subsequent update that addressed many of 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, Rockstar Games Head of Publishing.

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Founded by Brendan McNamara, the creator of L.A. Noire developer Team Bondi, Video Games Deluxe's history includes navigating past controversies surrounding Team Bondi's working conditions during L.A. Noire's development. McNamara commented on the acquisition, stating, "It's been an honor collaborating with Rockstar Games over the past decade. We're excited to join the team and continue creating exceptional games."

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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 PC release timeline following its launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with calls for patience from the development team. Further updates regarding GTA 6 and the future of GTA Online are also anticipated.