Creator of L.A. Noire returns to Rockstar to lead new studio in Australia

Rockstar Australia is born with Brendan McNamara in charge

The Rockstar Games has just strengthened its global presence with the creation of Rockstar Australia, its newest studio located in Sydney. And to lead the team, none other than Brendan McNamara, creator of the acclaimed L.A. Noire, is back at the company.

The news was accompanied by the revelation that the studio Video Games Deluxe, which in recent years worked on support projects for Rockstar, such as the virtual reality versions of L.A. Noire and improvements to the controversial GTA Trilogy: The Definitive Edition, has been renamed and is now officially part of the company's internal structure.

The return of a historic name

McNamara, who played a central role in the development of L.A. Noire, commented on his return to Rockstar and the future of the new studio:

"It was an honor to work with Rockstar Games over the past decade, and we are excited to be part of the company and continue efforts to create the best possible games."

The director's involvement raises speculation about what Rockstar Australia might be preparing. Since his departure after L.A. Noire, McNamara has not been involved in major projects, making this reunion significant.

And what's next?

Currently, Rockstar Games is focused on the release of GTA 6, scheduled for 2025, and there is no indication yet of what will be the first major project of Rockstar Australia. However, the presence of McNamara suggests that the studio may be working on something related to cinematic narratives and facial capture technology, features that made L.A. Noire one of the most innovative games of its time.

The reopening of a studio in Australia also shows that Rockstar is expanding its structure beyond its main units in New York, Scotland, India, and Toronto.

Now, we just have to wait and see what great project McNamara and his team will bring to the Rockstar universe. Is a new investigation game in the style of L.A. Noire in the plans?