Rockstar Games has recently made headlines with its acquisition of Video Games Deluxe, a Sydney-based game development studio. This move marks a significant expansion for Rockstar, as it establishes a new development hub in Australia, aptly named Rockstar Australia.
Video Games Deluxe has a long history of collaboration with Rockstar Games. The studio was founded by Brendan McNamara, who previously led Team Bondi, the creators of the critically acclaimed game LA Noire. After Team Bondi’s dissolution in 2011, McNamara and several key staff members moved to Video Games Deluxe, which has since worked exclusively on Rockstar projects.
The partnership between Rockstar and Video Games Deluxe has yielded several successful projects. These include the 2017 re-release of LA Noire, LA Noire: The VR Case Files, and the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. Video Games Deluxe played a crucial role in bringing these titles to life, showcasing their expertise and dedication to quality2.
The Acquisition
The acquisition of Video Games Deluxe by Rockstar Games was announced with much enthusiasm from both parties. Jennifer Kolbe, head of publishing at Rockstar, expressed excitement about the new addition to the Rockstar family.
After working together closely over many years, we are excited to have Video Games Deluxe join the team as Rockstar Australia.
Brendan McNamara echoed this sentiment, saying:
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.
With the establishment of Rockstar Australia, the company now boasts a total of ten subsidiary studios, in addition to its headquarters in New York City. This expansion is expected to bolster Rockstar’s development capabilities and contribute to the creation of even more high-quality games in the future.
Grand Theft Auto 6
One of the most anticipated projects on Rockstar’s horizon is Grand Theft Auto 6. While the acquisition of Video Games Deluxe does not directly relate to GTA 6, it is speculated that Rockstar Australia may play a role in its development. GTA 6 is set for release later this year and is projected to sell 40 million copies, generating over $3 billion in revenue during its first year.
The acquisition of Video Games Deluxe by Rockstar Games is a strategic move that strengthens Rockstar’s global presence and development capabilities. With a proven track record of successful collaborations, Rockstar Australia is poised to contribute significantly to the company’s future projects. As the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, the addition of Rockstar Australia promises to bring even more exciting developments to the world of gaming.