Rockstar Games has taken a strategic step as it gears up for the launch of GTA 6 by acquiring the Sydney-based developer, Video Games Deluxe. Known for their collaboration on The GTA Trilogy: Definitive Edition, this addition has been rebranded as Rockstar Australia.
This acquisition brings Brendan McNamara, the director of LA Noire, back into the Rockstar fold. He initially set up Video Games Deluxe after leaving Team Bondi, the studio behind LA Noire, which unfortunately went under.
Reflecting on this partnership, Jennifer Kolbe, the head of publishing at Rockstar Games, expressed her excitement in a statement shared with BusinessWire: “After working closely together over the years, we’re thrilled to welcome Video Games Deluxe as Rockstar Australia.”
Video Games Deluxe has had a solid track record with Rockstar, contributing to the re-release of LA Noire, its VR Case Files, and most recently, providing updates to the GTA Trilogy: Definitive Edition. This update was particularly noteworthy following the criticisms aimed at its original release, blamed largely on another studio, Grove Street Games. The situation even led to Grove Street Games’ CEO lamenting the decision to remove some credits relating to his team as a “dick move.”
The acquisition also reconnects Rockstar with Brendan McNamara, who was central to the development of LA Noire. Team Bondi, the company he founded, closed its doors in 2011 amidst controversies over alleged harsh working conditions, something McNamara addressed during those times.
In his own words regarding the merger, McNamara commented, “It’s been an honor working closely with Rockstar Games over the past decade. We’re thrilled to be part of Rockstar Games and continue striving to create the best games possible.”
Although it’s unclear if Rockstar Australia will be actively involved in developing GTA 6, the timing suggests it’s a distinct possibility. The game’s console edition is expected to hit the shelves in the fall, even though Rockstar has remained mum about a PC release date, despite some quickly retracted hints from the company’s management that set the gaming community abuzz.
As we wait to see how this development unfolds, it’s clear that Rockstar Games is positioning itself strategically for the future.
