Rockstar Revives Australia Studio, LA Noire Boss Returns

Rockstar Games has officially announced the establishment of Rockstar Australia, headed by Brendan McNamara, the former LA Noire director. This move comes after the acquisition of Video Games Deluxe, based in Sydney, known for its collaboration on Rockstar titles. The studio is set to contribute to developments leading up to the much-anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6, scheduled for autumn 2025. McNamara's return to the company raises questions due to his previous controversies regarding workplace culture during LA Noire's development, which led to Team Bondi's closure.

Rockstar Australia is expected to focus on supporting the development of GTA 6, leveraging its experience from prior collaborations on various Rockstar projects, especially as the release approaches.

LA Noire was revolutionary for its narrative depth and technological achievements in gaming, crafted under Team Bondi, which subsequently faced severe criticism due to its work environment and management style. The game was a commercial hit, but Team Bondi's closure highlighted the darker side of game development. Rockstar aims to harness McNamara’s expertise while avoiding the pitfalls that plagued his previous studio.