Rockstar Expands Global Presence with Acquisition of Sydney-Based Studio

03/03/2025

The gaming industry has seen a significant development as Rockstar Games officially welcomes Video Games Deluxe into its family. This acquisition marks the expansion of Rockstar's operations into Australia, adding to its roster of subsidiary studios. The move comes after years of successful collaboration between the two entities on various projects. Meanwhile, Rockstar continues to emphasize its commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment experiences, with Grand Theft Auto standing out as one of the most successful franchises in history.

A New Chapter for Video Games Deluxe

This transition represents a fresh start for Video Games Deluxe, which was established by Brendan McNamara in 2013. The studio has been instrumental in enhancing Rockstar's titles, contributing significantly to the re-release of LA Noire and improving Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. With this integration, Video Games Deluxe will now operate under the name Rockstar Australia, signaling a new era of innovation and creativity.

Brendan McNamara, the founder of Video Games Deluxe, has had an eventful career in the gaming industry. After leading Team Bondi in developing LA Noire, he faced challenges that led to the studio's dissolution. Undeterred, McNamara continued his journey at Kennedy Miller Mitchell before founding Video Games Deluxe. Over the past decade, his team has worked closely with Rockstar, refining their craft and building a solid reputation. Now, as part of Rockstar Australia, they are poised to contribute even more to the world of interactive entertainment. The studio is currently seeking experienced programmers to join their team, indicating plans for exciting new projects.

Rockstar's Continued Success and Future Ambitions

Rockstar's decision to acquire Video Games Deluxe underscores the company's dedication to maintaining its position as a leader in the gaming industry. With over 440 million units sold worldwide, the Grand Theft Auto franchise remains one of the most successful entertainment properties ever. GTA5 alone accounts for 210 million of these sales, highlighting the enduring appeal of Rockstar's creations. As the company prepares for the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6, fans can expect nothing less than perfection.

The acquisition of Video Games Deluxe not only strengthens Rockstar's global presence but also reflects the company's strategic approach to talent acquisition and project development. By integrating skilled teams like Video Games Deluxe, Rockstar ensures access to diverse expertise and innovative ideas. The press release from Rockstar emphasizes the importance of this partnership, noting that the studio has played a crucial role in bringing several key projects to life. Looking ahead, Rockstar's focus remains on pushing the boundaries of what's possible in video game design. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in the Grand Theft Auto saga, confident that Rockstar will deliver an experience that lives up to their high standards.