Rockstar Games, the acclaimed developer and publisher of the Grand Theft Auto series, has formally acquired its long-standing collaborator, Video Games Deluxe.  This strategic move follows years of successful partnership between the US-based Rockstar and the Australian studio on projects spanning console and mobile platforms.

Rockstar Games has become synonymous with AAA gaming excellence, thanks to the monumental success of franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Bully, and Red Dead Redemption.  The company and its subsidiary studios consistently deliver blockbuster hits, particularly within the immensely popular Grand Theft Auto series.  Developing these high-caliber games necessitates a vast network of developers across internal studios, such as Rockstar North,  each contributing to the company's impressive portfolio.  This latest acquisition of Video Games Deluxe adds another talented team to their ranks.

The acquisition, announced on March 3, 2025, transforms Video Games Deluxe into Rockstar Games Australia. The Sydney-based studio previously collaborated with Rockstar on projects including the re-releases of L.A. Noire and L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files in 2017, as well as updates for 2021's Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy — The Definitive Edition.  Notably, Video Games Deluxe is led by Brendan McNamara, the Director and Writer of L.A. Noire and founder of the now-defunct Team Bondi.  McNamara expressed his honor in collaborating with Rockstar over the years and his excitement about joining the company. Jennifer Kolbe, Head of Publishing at Rockstar Games, echoed this sentiment, sharing the company's enthusiasm for welcoming Video Games Deluxe into their family of studios.

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Rockstar Games, particularly in a pivotal year for its parent company, Take-Two Interactive.  2025 is slated to be a busy year with several major AAA releases planned, including the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, the prequel Mafia: The Old Country, and the September release of Borderlands 4.

Undeniably, the most anticipated title in Take-Two's lineup is GTA 6, the first mainline entry in the iconic third-person action-adventure series since 2013.  The excitement surrounding this sequel is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the second trailer and speculating about the game's eventual release.  The acquisition of Video Games Deluxe further strengthens Rockstar's development capabilities, positioning them well for the exciting year ahead.