Rockstar Games acquires Video Games Deluxe, now known as Rockstar Australia

Rockstar Games has acquired Sydney-based developer Video Games Deluxe, rebranding it to Rockstar Australia.

Video Games Deluxe worked on the re-releases of L.A. Noire and L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, in addition to upgrades on Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition.

“It’s been an honour to work closely with Rockstar Games this past decade,” said Video Games Deluxe founder Brendan McNamara. “We are thrilled to be part of Rockstar Games and to continue our efforts to make the best games possible.”

Rockstar Games head of publishing Jennifer Kolbe added: “After working together closely for many years, we are excited to have Video Games Deluxe join the team as Rockstar Australia.”

Video Games Deluxe was founded in 2013 by former Team Bondi creative director McNamara. Team Bondi developed the Rockstar-published detective game L.A. Noire released in 2011.

The game had a long development cycle, one that was reportedly fraught with poor working conditions. Team Bondi entered administration in 2011 after splitting from Rockstar following these accusations.