Future of LA Noire: no announcements, but possibilities

LA Noire, developed by Team Bondi and released by Rockstar Games, still has a sizable fanbase 15 years after its original launch. Despite earlier optimistic comments from Rockstar about the possibility of a sequel, there has been no clear continuation of the story or gameplay to date. Recent remarks from Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick at the Iicon summit, however, have given fans fresh hope.

Looking ahead to a sequel

In a conversation with other executives that also touched on topics such as the development of GTA 6, Zelnick said there is currently “nothing to announce” regarding a LA Noire sequel. He stressed, however, that Take-Two’s teams are “always looking at what we have” and that they are expected to actively consider reusing their intellectual property in the future.

Zelnick noted: “If there were something to report about LA Noire, it would not be me announcing it, it would be Rockstar.” The statement comes at a time when Take-Two has recently acquired the studio behind LA Noire, fueling some speculation about a possible sequel.

The role of Rockstar Australia

In 2022, Take-Two announced it had acquired Rockstar Video Games Deluxe, now known as Rockstar Australia. The studio is led by Brendan McNamara, the director of the original LA Noire. He previously worked on the LA Noire project by developing a VR version of the game in 2017. That raises the question of whether there is now a team within Rockstar with the passion to revisit this beloved title.

The impact of LA Noire

LA Noire, released in 2011, was praised for its innovative gameplay and mature storytelling. Critics described it as a “truly adult game,” aimed at players willing to immerse themselves in the narrative. The game offered not only a unique crime-solving approach, but also deep character development and an immersive open world. That has helped keep the game popular, despite the lack of sequels or spin-offs.

The long-running success of LA Noire has renewed interest in possible follow-up projects, and Take-Two’s recent acquisition offers a glimmer of hope for fans of the original. While no details have been announced yet, the community remains hopeful for news.