Rockstar Games Expands with Acquisition of Sydney Studio

03/03/2025

In a significant move within the gaming industry, Rockstar Games has officially welcomed Video Games Deluxe into its fold. The Australian studio, established in 2013 by Brendan McNamara, has been instrumental in enhancing several high-profile titles. Over the years, this collaboration has included remastered versions of L.A. Noire and contributions to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. This acquisition marks an exciting chapter for both companies as they look forward to future projects together.

A New Era for Rockstar Australia

In the vibrant city of Sydney, during a pivotal moment in gaming history, Rockstar Games made headlines by announcing its acquisition of Video Games Deluxe. Founded nearly a decade ago by Brendan McNamara, the studio has built a reputation for delivering exceptional work on various Rockstar titles. Key milestones include revitalizing classics such as L.A. Noire and contributing significantly to the definitive edition of the Grand Theft Auto trilogy. Jennifer Kolbe, Head of Publishing at Rockstar, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, highlighting the strong partnership that has developed over the years. Meanwhile, McNamara echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing his team's commitment to crafting top-tier gaming experiences.

The financial details of this deal remain undisclosed, but insiders speculate it could signal a strategic shift towards bolstering Rockstar's development capabilities ahead of major releases like Grand Theft Auto VI. Previously, Video Games Deluxe had hinted at developing a virtual reality game for Rockstar, though the current market trends suggest this project may no longer be active. Instead, the focus appears to be on supporting Rockstar's ambitious plans for upcoming titles.

In related news, fans eagerly await the imminent release of a substantial update for Grand Theft Auto V. Scheduled to debut tomorrow, this patch promises a host of enhancements, including cutting-edge graphics technologies and performance optimizations. Among the notable improvements are NVIDIA DLSS 3, AMD FSR support, advanced ray tracing features, faster loading times via DirectStorage, and enhanced audio fidelity. Gamers can already begin preloading the update on their PCs, setting the stage for what is expected to be a transformative experience.

From a journalist's perspective, this acquisition underscores the evolving landscape of video game development. As studios seek to stay competitive, strategic partnerships and acquisitions become increasingly vital. Rockstar's decision to integrate Video Games Deluxe reflects a forward-thinking approach, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation in the gaming world. For enthusiasts, this means more refined and immersive games, promising endless hours of entertainment and discovery.