Rockstar Games bought Sydney-based Video Games Deluxe on March 1 and renamed it Rockstar Australia. This move helps Rockstar grow globally and brings a longtime partner officially into the company.
Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar’s head of publishing, stated: “After working together closely over many years, we are excited to have Video Games Deluxe join the team as Rockstar Australia.”
Studio Background
Brendan McNamara founded Video Games Deluxe in 2013 after writing and directing L.A. Noire at Team Bondi. Rockstar published L.A. Noire in 2011, but their partnership with Team Bondi became rocky after reports surfaced about difficult working conditions at the studio.
Even with past tensions, Video Games Deluxe worked with Rockstar on several projects, including L.A. Noire re-releases and updates for GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.
Looking Forward
McNamara expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition: “It’s been an honor to work closely with Rockstar Games this past decade. We are part of Rockstar Games and will continue our efforts to make the best games possible.”
Rockstar hasn’t shared details about what their new Australian studio will work on, but many believe they might help with Grand Theft Auto 6, which is set to launch later this year.
