Rockstar Buys Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition Developer, Renames It 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 strong history of collaboration with Rockstar, contributing to the 2017 re-releases of L.A. Noire and L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, and most recently, spearheading crucial upgrades for Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition across iOS, Android, Netflix, and modern consoles. This acquisition notably distinguishes Video Games Deluxe from Grove Street Games, the studio initially responsible for the 2021 release of the trilogy, which faced significant criticism for its quality. Video Games Deluxe 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, 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. 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 commented on the acquisition. “We’re excited to officially join the team and continue creating exceptional gaming experiences.”

The establishment of Rockstar Australia precedes the anticipated Fall 2025 release of Grand Theft Auto VI. Recent discussions have addressed the game's planned staggered release, with a former Rockstar developer offering insight into the PC launch timeline and urging patience from PC gamers. Further details are available regarding Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick's comments on the future of GTA Online following the release of GTA VI.