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Rockstar Games, the legendary developer behind the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise, has just made a major move in the gaming industry. The company announced the acquisition of Video Games Deluxe, a Sydney-based game development studio with a long history of collaboration with Rockstar. The newly acquired studio will be renamed Rockstar Australia, further strengthening Rockstar’s global presence and expanding its game development capabilities.
While this acquisition does not directly confirm any new details about GTA 6, it is a significant development in the gaming world. Here’s everything you need to know about Rockstar’s latest expansion and what it could mean for the future of Rockstar titles, including Grand Theft Auto VI.
Rockstar Games Acquires Video Games Deluxe
Rockstar Games officially announced the acquisition of Video Games Deluxe, a studio known for its work on LA Noire and GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. This move marks a significant expansion of Rockstar’s global network of studios, ensuring more resources for future projects.
Video Games Deluxe has worked closely with Rockstar for years, playing a crucial role in co-developing LA Noire, one of Rockstar’s most unique crime-solving games. The studio also contributed to GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, which brought remastered versions of classic GTA titles to modern consoles.
With this acquisition, Rockstar Australia joins the list of Rockstar’s international development teams, which includes major studios in the United States, Canada, India, and the UK. This move signals Rockstar’s ongoing commitment to expanding its creative and technical resources.
The History of Video Games Deluxe & Team Bondi
Before forming Video Games Deluxe, Brendan McNamara, the studio’s founder, was behind Team Bondi, the original developer of LA Noire. The Australian studio gained recognition for its work on the critically acclaimed detective thriller, which was published by Rockstar Games in 2011.
LA Noire was notable for its groundbreaking facial animation technology, immersive open-world gameplay, and deep narrative. Despite its success, the relationship between Team Bondi and Rockstar was reportedly strained. Team Bondi was later shut down due to financial difficulties and internal conflicts.
After the closure of Team Bondi, Video Games Deluxe was established, continuing its collaboration with Rockstar Games. Now, with Rockstar officially acquiring the studio, the Sydney-based team is set to play a larger role in the future of Rockstar’s game development efforts.
What Does This Mean for GTA 6?
While Rockstar Games has not officially stated how this acquisition will impact GTA 6, it is likely that Rockstar Australia will contribute to the development of upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated title.
Rockstar has a history of leveraging its global network of studios to work on major games. GTA 6, which is set for release in 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, is expected to be the biggest and most ambitious game in the franchise. With an estimated 40 million copies projected to be sold within the first year, the game is expected to generate over $3 billion in revenue.
Given the scope of GTA 6, it’s highly possible that Rockstar Australia will support development efforts in some capacity. However, Rockstar is known for being one of the most secretive companies in the gaming industry, and no official details about Rockstar Australia’s specific projects have been disclosed.
Rockstar Games’ Global Studios Network
Rockstar Games operates a vast network of studios across the globe, each contributing to various aspects of game development. With the addition of Rockstar Australia, the company now has the following international branches:
- Rockstar Dundee
- Rockstar India
- Rockstar International
- Rockstar LA
- Rockstar Leeds
- Rockstar Lincoln
- Rockstar London
- Rockstar New England
- Rockstar New York
- Rockstar North
- Rockstar San Diego
- Rockstar Toronto
- Rockstar Australia (newly acquired)
Each of these studios contributes to different aspects of Rockstar’s game development, from programming and design to testing and quality assurance. The addition of Rockstar Australia will provide more resources and expertise, further strengthening Rockstar’s ability to develop blockbuster titles.
Could Rockstar Australia Work on a New LA Noire or Another Project?
Given that Video Games Deluxe has roots in LA Noire’s development, some fans have speculated that Rockstar Australia could work on a new LA Noire title or a spiritual successor to the detective game.
LA Noire remains one of Rockstar’s most unique releases, and while no sequel has ever been officially announced, its immersive detective mechanics and noir-style storytelling left a lasting impact on gamers. If Rockstar chooses to revisit the genre, Rockstar Australia could be the perfect studio to take the lead on such a project.
Alternatively, Rockstar Australia could be assigned to support other major titles in development, such as GTA Online expansions, Red Dead Redemption updates, or even a brand-new IP.
Rockstar Games’ Future & What to Expect
With GTA 6 slated for release later this year, all eyes are on Rockstar Games to deliver another industry-defining experience. The first GTA 6 trailer, released in December 2023, provided a glimpse into the game’s stunning visuals, immersive world, and new characters. However, since then, Rockstar has remained silent about the game, building anticipation among fans.
In the meantime, Rockstar continues to expand its global operations, ensuring it has the talent and resources needed for future projects. The acquisition of Rockstar Australia is a clear sign that the company is looking toward long-term growth and the development of high-quality, groundbreaking games.
Conclusion
Rockstar Games’ acquisition of Video Games Deluxe, now Rockstar Australia, marks an exciting development for the company and the gaming industry. While there is no official confirmation about what the studio will work on next, its experience with LA Noire and GTA: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition suggests that it will play a key role in Rockstar’s upcoming projects.
Whether Rockstar Australia contributes to GTA 6, a new LA Noire, or another undisclosed title, one thing is certain—Rockstar is expanding its reach to maintain its reputation as one of the most successful game developers in the world.
As more details emerge, fans will be eagerly awaiting news on Rockstar Australia’s next move and how it fits into the company’s future projects. Until then, the countdown to GTA 6’s launch in 2025 continues, with expectations higher than ever for what could be the biggest open-world game of all time.
