Rockstar North: The Scottish Studio Behind Gaming’s Biggest Franchise
EDINBURGH, 19 January 2026 – As the gaming world anticipates the November release of Grand Theft Auto VI, all eyes turn to Rockstar North, the Edinburgh-based studio that has shaped one of entertainment’s most profitable franchises. From humble beginnings above a Dundee fish and chip shop to becoming Take-Two Interactive’s crown jewel, Rockstar North’s journey mirrors the ambition of the games it creates.
From DMA Design to Rockstar North
Founded in 1988 as DMA Design by David Jones in his hometown of Dundee, the studio initially operated from a small office above The Deep Sea fish and chip shop at 134B Nethergate. Jones hired former classmates Mike Dailly, Russell Kay, and Steve Hammond, creating a foundation that would eventually revolutionise gaming.
The studio’s first major success came with Lemmings in 1991, which sold 20 million copies across 21 platforms and made Jones a millionaire at just 25 years old. However, it was the 1997 release of the original Grand Theft Auto that set the studio on its current trajectory.
After several ownership changes – from Gremlin Interactive to Infogrames, and finally to Take-Two Interactive in 1999 – the studio was rebranded as Rockstar North in 2002, marking its “final integration” with the Rockstar Games label.
Key Facts: Rockstar North at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1988 (as DMA Design) |
| Headquarters | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Current Studio Director | Andrew Semple |
| Notable Franchises | Grand Theft Auto, Lemmings, Manhunt |
| Employees (2018) | 650 staff |
| Parent Company | Take-Two Interactive |
The Grand Theft Auto Legacy
Rockstar North’s crowning achievement remains the Grand Theft Auto series. The studio led development on every mainline entry since the franchise’s inception:
Grand Theft Auto III (2001) revolutionised open-world gaming with its 3D environments and non-linear gameplay. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) and San Andreas (2004) expanded the formula, while Grand Theft Auto IV (2008) brought unprecedented realism to the series.
The studio’s magnum opus, Grand Theft Auto V (2013), became the second-best-selling video game of all time and the most profitable entertainment product ever created, generating over $1 billion in its first three days alone.
GTA VI: The Next Chapter
With Grand Theft Auto VI scheduled for release on 19 November 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, Rockstar North leads a global development effort involving all Rockstar studios worldwide. The game represents the studio’s most ambitious project to date, featuring a return to Vice City set in the modern era with dual protagonists Lucia and Jason.
Development began in earnest in 2020 following the completion of Red Dead Redemption 2, with the project initially codenamed “Project Americas.” The game has faced multiple delays as Rockstar seeks what CEO Strauss Zelnick describes as “creative perfection.”
Beyond Grand Theft Auto
While best known for GTA, Rockstar North has contributed significantly to other major titles. The studio created the Manhunt series and provided crucial support for Red Dead Redemption (2010), L.A. Noire (2011), Max Payne 3 (2012), and Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018).
The studio also maintains Grand Theft Auto Online, which continues to receive regular updates and remains one of the most active online gaming communities more than a decade after its initial release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rockstar North located?
Rockstar North is headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, operating from Barclay House in the city’s city centre. The studio originally operated from Dundee before relocating in 2000.
What was Rockstar North originally called?
The studio was founded as DMA Design Limited in 1988. It was renamed Rockstar Studios in March 2002 before becoming Rockstar North in May 2002.
How many people work at Rockstar North?
As of 2018, the studio employed approximately 650 people. The studio has likely expanded further to support development of Grand Theft Auto VI.
When will GTA VI be released?
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on 19 November 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. A PC release typically follows several months after the console launch.
What other games has Rockstar North developed?
Beyond the GTA series, Rockstar North created the Lemmings franchise, Manhunt (2003), Manhunt 2 (2007), and has collaborated on numerous other Rockstar Games titles including the Red Dead Redemption series.