Rockstar Games, the company renowned for its blockbuster titles including the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series, made waves recently with the announcement of its acquisition of Sydney-based studio Video Games Deluxe, which will now operate under the name Rockstar Australia. Announced on March 1, 2025, this merger is poised to bolster Rockstar's development capabilities as it gears up for several ambitious projects including the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6.
Video Games Deluxe was founded by Brendan McNamara, who previously worked as the director of the acclaimed detective game L.A. Noire at Team Bondi. Established in 2013, Video Games Deluxe has built its reputation by collaborating closely with Rockstar. The studio has played pivotal roles in various projects, particularly with the re-releases of L.A. Noire, including the VR iteration, as well as handling upgrades for Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition.
Jennifer Kolbe, Rockstar Games' Head of Publishing, expressed her enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "After working together closely over many years, we are excited to have Video Games Deluxe join the team as Rockstar Australia." Kolbe's sentiment underlines the established partnership and mutual trust developed over years of collaboration.
Brendan McNamara echoed Kolbe’s sentiment, expressing his excitement about becoming part of Rockstar Games. He remarked, "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." This statement highlights the close working relationship the two companies have maintained, fostering innovation and creativity.
The acquisition is significant, especially as Rockstar prepares for the impending release of Grand Theft Auto 6, set to launch later this year. Speculations surrounding the game have reached fever pitch, fueled by rumors of its return to Vice City. This expansion of Rockstar’s development network with Video Games Deluxe's talents will likely play a key role in ensuring the new installment meets the high expectations of fans.
Further highlighting the success of the franchise, it’s reported the Grand Theft Auto series has sold over 440 million copies globally, making it one of the most successful entertainment properties of all time. Rockstar's commitment to delivering quality experiences has cemented its place as a powerhouse within the gaming industry.
Interestingly, alongside the excitement of this acquisition, there are unanswered questions surrounding the ambitious GTA: San Andreas VR project. Originally announced by Meta for the Quest platform back in October 2021, the project has faced numerous challenges. Following months of radio silence, Meta confirmed development had been put on indefinite hold. The recent acquisition of Video Games Deluxe raises questions about the future of San Andreas VR since no mention of it was made during Rockstar's acquisition announcement.
While the studio’s new identity as Rockstar Australia is likely to focus on significant projects, the quiet omission of GTA San Andreas VR from discussions suggests Rockstar is shifting its emphasis away from virtual reality development for the time being. Instead, the emphasis seems to be firmly on core franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, aiming to refine their offering to gamers.
With the rebranding now complete, Rockstar Australia is set to take on substantial projects, primarily contributing to the development of Grand Theft Auto 6. This major endeavor is seen as the next big chapter for Rockstar, which has already garnered significant attention and anticipation from the gaming community. The expectation is not only to deliver the much-acclaimed gameplay elements fans are familiar with but also to incorporate innovative features enhancing player experience.
The gaming industry is abuzz with speculation about what Rockstar’s next steps will involve now with this expanded team under Rockstar Australia. Having worked together on many successful projects, stakeholders and fans alike are eager to see how Video Games Deluxe will lend its expertise to the development of GTA 6, helping push the boundaries of the franchise even more.
While other developments, such as the free PC upgrade of Grand Theft Auto 5 set for release on March 4, offer some interim excitement, the main focus remains on the looming release of GTA 6. Rockstar is making it clear they are not delaying this project, aiming for its launch to be as flawless as possible.
Overall, the acquisition of Video Games Deluxe marks not only the strengthening of Rockstar’s development capabilities but also their commitment to producing high-quality gaming experiences. Video Games Deluxe's track record and experience within the Rockstar ecosystem make it uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to upcoming projects, and the gaming world is certainly wondering what the future holds for Rockstar Australia and the much-anticipated titles on the horizon.