Rockstar Games has officially 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 long-time collaborator, contributing to various projects including the 2017 re-releases of L.A. Noire and L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, as well as recent enhancements to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition for iOS, Android, Netflix, and modern consoles.

It's important to distinguish Video Games Deluxe from Grove Street Games, which faced backlash for the initial poor quality of the 2021 release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. Grove Street Games was notably removed from the credits of the game following a significant update that addressed these issues, an action their boss described as a "dick move." Video Games Deluxe was responsible for developing this crucial update.

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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16 ImagesVideo Games Deluxe was founded by Brendan McNamara, who also founded Team Bondi, the developer of L.A. Noire. In 2011, Team Bondi faced allegations of harsh working conditions during the development of L.A. Noire, which led to its eventual closure. Since then, McNamara has maintained a low profile. Reflecting on the acquisition, McNamara stated, "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."

In December 2023, a former Rockstar developer attempted to shed light on why GTA 6 will first launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X and S before coming to PC, urging PC gamers to trust Rockstar's strategy despite the controversy surrounding the release schedule.

For more insights into GTA 6, including Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick's comments on the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6 launch, stay tuned.