Video Games Deluxe was a Sydney-based video game developer known for its close collaboration with Rockstar Games. Founded in 2013 by industry veteran Brendan McNamara, the studio was primarily composed of former members of Team Bondi. The company gained significant recognition for developing the highly praised mobile and Netflix versions of Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, which led to its acquisition by Take-Two Interactive on March 3, 2025, at which point it was rebranded as Rockstar Australia.

Overview / Description

Video Games Deluxe was founded in 2013 by Brendan McNamara, the former creative director of Team Bondi, following that studio's bankruptcy. McNamara hired many former Team Bondi employees, establishing a new studio in Pyrmont, Sydney. The studio began a collaborative relationship with Rockstar Games, first working on L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files.

The studio's most notable work was on Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. While credited on the initial troubled release, Video Games Deluxe was primarily responsible for developing the mobile ports for iOS, Android, and Netflix. These versions were universally praised for fixing many of the issues present in the original console and PC releases.

This success culminated in the studio's acquisition by Take-Two Interactive, becoming a direct subsidiary of Rockstar Games and rebranding as Rockstar Australia. Following the acquisition, the studio began collaborating on an unnamed AAA open-world title for Rockstar.

Locationse

The studio's only known physical location was its headquarters in Pyrmont, a suburb of Sydney, Australia.

Role in Grand Theft Auto VI

While not directly involved with Grand Theft Auto VI under the Video Games Deluxe name, its acquisition and rebranding as Rockstar Australia was described as coming at a crucial time for Rockstar and Take-Two as they prepared for the game's release. As Rockstar Australia, the team is collaborating on a future AAA open-world title.

Trivia

  • The studio was formed by the founder and former employees of Team Bondi, the original developers of L.A. Noire.
  • Upon its acquisition, Video Games Deluxe became the tenth subsidiary studio under the Rockstar Games umbrella.
  • The studio's successful work on the GTA Trilogy for mobile platforms reportedly ruffled the feathers of Grove Street Games, the primary developers of the compilation's initial release.