Rockstar Games has acquired a new studio with a great history behind it

Rockstar Games has announced the acquisition of the video game development studio Video Games Deluxe, located in Sydney, Australia. This studio, which will be renamed Rockstar Australia, has close ties to the successful game LA Noire, in which it previously collaborated. The acquisition, the financial terms of which have not been disclosed, strengthens Rockstar’s connection with Australian talent, led by Brendan McNamara, founder of Video Games Deluxe and former member of Team Bondi, the studio responsible for LA Noire.

A much-anticipated return to Rockstar

McNamara expressed his enthusiasm for joining Rockstar, emphasizing his commitment to continue creating the best video games possible. Video Games Deluxe also participated in the development of GTA The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, highlighting their history of collaboration with Rockstar.

Team Bondi, the original studio behind LA Noire, was the subject of controversies regarding its working conditions. Despite a mix of success and criticism, Team Bondi only released one game before dissolving, leaving behind a legacy of ambition and difficulties. The rights to their next project, Whore of the Orient, were acquired by the company Kennedy Miller Mitchell, but the game was ultimately canceled after Warner Bros. withdrew as the publisher.

While the acquisition of Video Games Deluxe is a strategic move, it has not been confirmed what project Rockstar Australia is working on. However, it is speculated that the studio could be involved in the development of GTA 6, which is expected to be released this year on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. This new title in the franchise is projected to sell 40 million copies and generate over 3 billion dollars in revenue during its first year. Although a trailer is estimated to be released this December, Rockstar has maintained a strategic silence about the game.

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