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 ofGrand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, which led to its acquisition by Take-Two Interactive on March 3, 2025Rockstar Games to Acquire Video Games Deluxe_, Business Wire, March 3, 2025. Accessed July 28, 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 RockstarL.A. Noire dev "working exclusively on projects for Rockstar", PCGamesN, published by Network N Media on July 7, 2024. Accessed July 28, 2025..

Locationse

The studio's only known physical location was its headquarters in Pyrmont, a suburb of Sydney, Australia.Video Games Deluxe – Company Profile, LinkedIn. Accessed July 28, 2025.

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.