Rockstar Games Purchases Longstanding Partner Studio

Overview of Rockstar Games’ Strategic Acquisition

Rockstar Games has officially acquired Video Games Deluxe, an Australian game development studio.
The Sydney-based studio will be rebranded as Rockstar Games Australia.
Collaborative projects between both companies include the remastered versions of LA Noire and Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.

Rockstar Games, the acclaimed developer and publisher known for creating iconic titles like Grand Theft Auto, has solidified its partnership with Australian studio Video Games Deluxe through an acquisition. This strategic move reflects a fruitful collaboration that has spanned several years, during which both companies have joined forces on diverse projects ranging from console to mobile gaming.

Renowned for its AAA titles, Rockstar Games has established a significant presence in the gaming industry with hit franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption 2. The company continues to expand its development capabilities by integrating studios such as Video Games Deluxe, thereby enhancing its portfolio and extending its reach in the gaming market. The acquisition marks a pivotal shift, indicating Rockstar’s commitment to growing its production capabilities and driving innovation in game design.

On March 3, 2025, Rockstar Games announced the purchase of Video Games Deluxe in a move poised to transform the studio into Rockstar Games Australia. The partnership has been fruitful before, leading to successful re-releases of LA Noire and its VR adaptation, as well as multiple enhancements for Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. Notably, Video Games Deluxe is led by Brendan McNamara, the original director and writer for LA Noire and founder of the now-closed Team Bondi. McNamara expressed his enthusiasm about joining Rockstar, stating it was an “honor”to work together over the years. Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar’s Head of Publishing, echoed similar sentiments, sharing excitement about integrating Video Games Deluxe into its family of studios.

Rockstar Games Completes Studio Acquisition During a Milestone Year

The acquisition of Video Games Deluxe represents a pivotal chapter for Rockstar Games, especially as its parent company, Take-Two Interactive, plans to unveil significant projects in 2025. In addition to the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, Take-Two has lined up several AAA releases, including Mafia: The Old Country and Borderlands 4, which is set to launch in September.

Among these projects, Grand Theft Auto 6 stands out as one of the most eagerly awaited installments in the series, marking the first mainline release since 2013. The excitement surrounding this sequel is unprecedented, with fans eagerly anticipating the drop of its second trailer and actively speculating on features and storylines. This heightened anticipation underscores the significance of Rockstar’s strategic moves, as the gaming community watches closely for future developments.

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