Rockstar Australia Studio Acquired by Rockstar, Led by Brendan McNamara
In a surprising turn of events, Brendan McNamara, the well-known boss behind the acclaimed LA Noire game, has made a grand return to the gaming industry. This time, he is set to lead Rockstar Australia, a studio that has been recently acquired by the renowned GTA developer, Rockstar. This news comes in light of Rockstar’s announcement today, confirming the acquisition of McNamara’s Sydney-based Video Games Deluxe, which has now been rebranded as Rockstar Australia.
The collaboration between Rockstar and Video Games Deluxe dates back a decade, during which they worked closely on various re-releases of Rockstar’s popular games. Notably, Video Games Deluxe, now under the Rockstar umbrella, played a crucial role in updating the GTA Trilogy port, rescuing it from widespread criticism due to its subpar performance.
Moreover, the newly rebranded Rockstar Australia also joined forces with Rockstar for the 2017 re-release of LA Noire, as well as the VR Case Files version of the game. McNamara’s involvement in these projects adds a touch of nostalgia, considering he was the mastermind behind the original LA Noire as the director and founder of its developer, Team Bondi.
LA Noire, upon its release, achieved commercial success and garnered praise for its technical achievements. However, the closure of Team Bondi shortly after the game’s launch was shrouded in controversy. Allegations of a toxic work environment and exploitative practices marred the seven-year development process of the game. A significant controversy arose over the omission of more than 100 individuals from the game’s credits, tarnishing the studio’s reputation.
In a candid interview with IGN in 2011, McNamara addressed these accusations, emphasizing the competitive nature of the industry and the sacrifices required to succeed. Despite these challenges, McNamara endeavored to launch a new game, titled Whore of the Orient. Unfortunately, the project faced setbacks when a publishing deal with Warner Bros. Interactive fell through, ultimately leading to its cancellation.
Reflecting on the fallout from LA Noire’s development, McNamara expressed his frustration with the impact on Team Bondi’s future projects and his personal reputation. The negative publicity surrounding the allegations cast a shadow on the studio’s ability to secure new opportunities and affected the Australian gaming landscape at large.
Looking ahead, the focus for Rockstar Australia remains unclear, particularly with the highly anticipated launch of GTA 6 on the horizon. While details about their upcoming projects are scarce, McNamara’s statement underscores the studio’s commitment to delivering exceptional gaming experiences under the Rockstar Games banner.
In a recent update from Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, fans can expect GTA 6 to hit the shelves in the autumn of 2025. As the gaming community eagerly anticipates this release, McNamara’s return to the forefront of game development adds an intriguing twist to the industry landscape, promising exciting ventures on the horizon.
