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 history of collaboration with Rockstar, contributing to the 2017 re-releases of L.A. Noire and L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, and more recently, overseeing crucial upgrades for Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition across iOS, Android, Netflix, and modern consoles. This acquisition is distinct from Grove Street Games, the studio initially responsible for the 2021 release of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, which faced significant criticism for the game's quality. Video Games Deluxe, however, developed the update that addressed many of those 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, Rockstar Games Head of Publishing.

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Video Games Deluxe was founded by Brendan McNamara, also the founder of Team Bondi, the studio behind L.A. Noire. Following allegations of poor working conditions at Team Bondi during the development of L.A. Noire in 2011, the studio ultimately closed. McNamara has maintained a relatively low profile since then.

"It's been an honor collaborating with Rockstar Games over the past decade," McNamara shared in a statement released alongside the acquisition announcement. "We're excited to officially join Rockstar Games and continue creating exceptional gaming experiences."

The establishment of Rockstar Australia precedes the anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto 6, currently slated for Fall 2025. In December 2023, a former Rockstar developer offered insight into the staggered PC release of GTA 6, urging PC gamers to remain patient. Further details regarding GTA 6, including Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick's comments on the future of GTA Online post-GTA 6 release, are also available.