Rockstar Games Launcher

The Rockstar Games Launcher is Rockstar Games' proprietary PC desktop application for purchasing, installing, updating, and launching its titles, as well as consolidating a user’s Rockstar library across disparate storefronts. Its debut in 2019 ¹ was accompanied by a prominent incentive—free access to Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for early adopters.

Core features and user experience

From launch, Rockstar built the system around its existing Social Club identity framework rather than creating separate account requirements. Players could use existing Social Club credentials or register new accounts.

The way that the launcher works is it collects a player's Rockstar titles regardless of purchase method, whether through physical media, digital stores, or other platforms. This gives players get a unified view of their ownership and game availability even when purchases originated outside Rockstar's store. This addresses a major pain point in PC gaming where purchases and installations span Steam, Epic Games Store, physical media, and legacy installers.

Library coverage and content curation

At release, Rockstar highlighted support for flagship and legacy catalog entries. To date, the Rockstar Games Launcher supports 12 games, with Grand Theft Auto III being the oldest title supported and Red Dead Redemption 2 being the most recent one.

L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, by Video Games Deluxe (later acquired and became Rockstar Australia), is an interesting edge case. The launcher recognizes and supports this VR release but doesn't offer it for purchase through its integrated store.

Here is a complete list of titles supported by the Rockstar Games Launcher:

• Red Dead Redemption
• Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition
• Red Dead Online
• Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition
• Red Dead Redemption 2
• Grand Theft Auto V
• L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition
• Max Payne 3
• Bully: Scholarship Edition
• Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
• Grand Theft Auto III