Rumors concerning a potential LA Noire 2 have recently gained traction, stemming from an analysis of an older Grand Theft Auto 6 leak. The initial leak, which originated on 4Chan in 2023, detailed several aspects of GTA 6 that have since been corroborated, including early plans for four protagonists and confirmed details about its relationship mechanics.
The reason for the renewed interest in this particular leak is its claim that Rockstar Games' next project, following GTA 6, would be a sequel to LA Noire, slated for a 2030 release. This hypothetical sequel was reportedly set to take place in San Francisco and focus on the notorious Zodiac Killer, a compelling subject given the era's unique crimes and the city's atmosphere.
However, the development history of LA Noire casts doubt on these rumors. The original game was developed by Team Bondi, led by Brendan McNamara. Following the studio's dissolution, McNamara founded a new studio to work on "The Whore of the Orient," a spiritual successor to LA Noire, which was ultimately canceled due to funding issues. McNamara later established Video Games Deluxe, a studio that assisted with LA Noire's VR port and was subsequently acquired by Rockstar in 2025, becoming Rockstar Australia. While this studio comprises many former LA Noire creatives, including McNamara, it is largely believed to be contributing to GTA 6 development.
Rockstar's past engagement with the LA Noire intellectual property suggests a continued interest. The game received ports to Xbox One and PlayStation 4, and a condensed VR version was also released. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has previously stated that the company is open to revisiting its legacy titles if a team is passionate about them, though he declined to make specific announcements regarding LA Noire.
In 2012, Rockstar itself acknowledged the possibility of an LA Noire sequel, citing the original game's performance and its importance as a potential franchise. At the time, the company noted that while they do not rush sequels, they consider them eventually, referencing the development cycles of Max Payne and Red Dead Redemption. Rockstar is also set to publish a pair of Max Payne remakes developed by Remedy Entertainment, indicating a willingness to pursue projects outside of its major online service titles.