Rockstar Games Expands Global Presence with Acquisition of Sydney Studio

In a significant move within the gaming industry, Rockstar Games has officially acquired Video Games Deluxe, a development studio based in Sydney. The newly acquired entity will be rebranded as Rockstar Australia. This strategic acquisition strengthens Rockstar's global footprint and underscores its commitment to enhancing its game development capabilities. While financial details of the deal were not disclosed, the announcement highlights the close collaboration between the two companies over the past decade. Video Games Deluxe has contributed significantly to several notable Rockstar titles, including the re-release of L.A. Noire and recent updates to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. Both parties expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter in their partnership.

The relationship between Rockstar Games and Video Games Deluxe dates back to the early days of L.A. Noire, which was developed by Team Bondi, a studio founded by Brendan McNamara. Since then, Video Games Deluxe has played an instrumental role in refining and enhancing some of Rockstar's most celebrated projects. The acquisition formalizes what has long been a fruitful partnership, with both teams working closely on various initiatives. Jennifer Kolbe, Head of Publishing at Rockstar Games, emphasized the excitement surrounding this integration, noting that it represents a natural progression in their collaborative journey.

Brendan McNamara, founder of Video Games Deluxe, reflected on the decade-long association with Rockstar Games. He highlighted the honor of contributing to such iconic titles and expressed optimism about the future. With the official rebranding to Rockstar Australia, the studio is poised to continue delivering high-quality content while benefiting from Rockstar's extensive resources and expertise. The transition aims to foster innovation and maintain the high standards set by both organizations.

As Rockstar Games welcomes Video Games Deluxe into its fold, the company looks forward to leveraging the combined talents of both teams. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Rockstar, signaling its dedication to expanding its global operations and enhancing its portfolio of games. By integrating Rockstar Australia, the company aims to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment and deliver exceptional experiences to players worldwide. The future holds exciting possibilities as these two entities embark on a new era of collaboration and creativity.