In the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, acquisitions and mergers are common, but not every acquisition leads to the formation of something truly significant. One such notable development is the creation of Rockstar Australia, which emerged after Rockstar Games acquired the Sydney-based video game studio, Video Games Deluxe. This move marks a new chapter for Rockstar Games, expanding its global footprint and further cementing the company’s reputation as a powerhouse in the gaming world.

Video Games Deluxe, a studio known for its cutting-edge work in the gaming industry having worked on  the re-release of L.A Noire, L.A Noire The VR Case Files and most recently helped fix The Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy The Definitive Edition on iOS/Android, Netflix and modern consoles.

In a strategic move, Rockstar Games acquired Video Games Deluxe, signaling a strong commitment to expanding their Australian presence and tapping into the studio’s impressive talent pool. For Rockstar, this acquisition aligns perfectly with its ethos of crafting high-quality, immersive open-world games. Video Games Deluxe had earned a reputation for its ability to develop breathtaking game worlds, making it an ideal acquisition for Rockstar, which thrives on developing expansive and dynamic universes like those in Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, and Max Payne.

Video Game Deluxe was founded by Team Bondi’s Brendan McNamara who created L.A. Noire so there’s big history there between Rockstar and this new development team.

“After working together closely over many years, we are excited to have Video Games Deluxe join the team as Rockstar Australia,” said Rockstar Games Head of Publishing, Jennifer Kolbe.

“It’s been an Honor to work closely with Rockstar Games this past decade,” said Video Games Deluxe founder Brendan McNamara. “We are thrilled to be a part of Rockstar Games and to continue our efforts to make the best games possible.”

As Rockstar continues to lead the charge in creating some of the most ground-breaking and critically acclaimed games of our time, the addition of a new studio in Sydney is sure to bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and more cutting-edge technology to its future projects. For fans of Rockstar games and the global gaming community, this acquisition represents a thrilling new chapter in the evolution of the gaming industry.

With Rockstar Australia’s expertise now integrated into the larger Rockstar Games family, the future of gaming looks brighter than ever.