GTA Trilogy

GTA 6 developer Rockstar Games has today confirmed its acquisition of Video Games Deluxe, a team it's been working with over the years to remaster the company's back catalogue of games. The two firms began working together on the PS4 version of L.A. Noire, and was most recently drafted in to fix the GTA Trilogy remasters. The latter released in a truly dire state, and Video Games Deluxe is credited with fixing them.

In a statement, head of publishing at Rockstar Games, Jennifer Kolbe, explained the company is excited to have Video Games Deluxe officially join the fold, now rebranded as Rockstar Australia. Founder of the studio, Brendan McNamara also added: "It’s been an honor to work closely with Rockstar Games this past decade. We are thrilled to be a part of Rockstar Games and to continue our efforts to make the best games possible."

Video Games Deluxe is best known for fixing the remasters of GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas first put out by Grove Street Games. The developer brought over enhancements from the mobile versions of the games, which included lighting updates more closely resembling the original art style, better character models, and fog effects to better replicate the PS2's hazy effects. Its work left the GTA Trilogy on PS5 and PS4 in a much better state, meaning the remastered collection could actually be a worthwhile recommendation.

If the studio continues its efforts bringing back older Rockstar titles, then it has an incredibly rich library to choose from. There are the obvious big hitters like GTA 4 and the two Red Dead Redemption games, but also Manhunt, Midnight Club, Max Payne 3 to go alongside the remakes of the first two games from Remedy, and more. A remaster of PS2 title State of Emergency, anyone?

If the new Rockstar Australia does continue its remastering work and isn't simply made to help out on GTA 6, what older Rockstar games do you want it to bring back? Post your wishlist in the comments below.

[source businesswire.com]