'''Imagexcel''' was a Canadian development studio established in 1981, Based in ''Oakville, Ontario''. The company was established as Imagexcel and became part of [[GameTek]] through its '''Alternative Reality Technologies''' (ART) division in March 1995. ART was acquired by '''Take-Two Interactive''' in July 1997 and became part of Take-Two's Rockstar Games label in 1999 as '''Rockstar Canada'''. In August 2002, the company was renamed '''Rockstar Toronto''' to avoid confusion with the newly acquired '''Rockstar Vancouver'''.
'''Imagexcel''' was a Canadian development studio established in 1981, Based in ''Oakville, Ontario''. The company was established as Imagexcel and became part of [[GameTek]] through its '''Alternative Reality Technologies''' (ART) division in March 1995. ART was acquired by '''Take-Two Interactive''' in July 1997 and became part of Take-Two's Rockstar Games label in 1999 as '''Rockstar Canada'''. In August 2002, the company was renamed '''Rockstar Toronto''' to avoid confusion with the newly acquired '''Rockstar Vancouver'''.
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=== As part of Rockstar Games (1999–present) ===
=== As part of Rockstar Games (1999–present) ===
In 1999, ART became part of [[Rockstar Games]], Take-Two's previously established publishing label, and assumed the name Rockstar Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rockstartoronto.com/ |title=Studio |website=Rockstar Toronto |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318161326/http://www.rockstartoronto.com/ |archive-date=18 March 2009 |url-status=unfit}}</ref> Under this name, the studio created two ''[[Grand Theft Auto (video game)|Grand Theft Auto]]'' [[expansion packs]]: ''[[Grand Theft Auto: London 1969|London 1969]]'' and ''[[Grand Theft Auto: London 1961|London 1961]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/ranking-the-grand-theft-auto-games-from-worst-to-best-1791387873 |title=Ranking The Grand Theft Auto Games, From Worst To Best |first=Zack |last=Zwiezen |date=19 January 2017 |website=[[Kotaku]] |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018161501/https://kotaku.com/ranking-the-grand-theft-auto-games-from-worst-to-best-1791387873 |archive-date=18 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and later [[Porting|ported]] two Rockstar Games titles to [[PlayStation 2]]: ''[[Oni (video game)|Oni]]'' (2001) and ''[[Max Payne (video game)|Max Payne]]'' (2001).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/25/technology/game-theory-guns-and-fists-for-hire.html |title=GAME THEORY; Guns, And Fists, for Hire |first=Peter |last=Olafson |date=25 January 2001 |website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043254/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/25/technology/game-theory-guns-and-fists-for-hire.html |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_30999 |title=Payne gets some consolation |first=John |last=Bye |date=4 August 2001 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032234/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_30999 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In 1999, ART became part of Rockstar Games, Take-Two's previously established publishing label, and assumed the name Rockstar Canada. Under this name, the studio created two ''Grand Theft Auto'' expansion packs: ''Grand Theft Auto: London 1969'' and ''Grand Theft Auto: London 1961'', and later ported two Rockstar Games titles to PlayStation 2: ''Oni'' (2001) and ''Max Payne '' (2001).
On 1 August 2002, Take-Two announced the acquisition of [[Barking Dog Studios]], which would be renamed Rockstar Vancouver.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_46423 |title=Rockstar Ate My (Barking) Dog |last=Gestalt |date=1 August 2002 |website=eurogamer.net |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042015/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_46423 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the acquisition, Rockstar Canada would be renamed Rockstar Toronto to avoid confusion between the two.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/92359/TakeTwo_Acquires_Barking_Dog_Studios.php |title=Take-Two Acquires Barking Dog Studios |website=gamasutra.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031508/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/92359/TakeTwo_Acquires_Barking_Dog_Studios.php |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Alongside the acquisition, Take-Two announced that the now-renamed Rockstar Toronto was working on a video game adaptation of the 1979 [[Walter Hill]]-directed film ''[[The Warriors (film)|The Warriors]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/08/01/come-out-to-play-i-ay |title=Come Out to Play-i-ay |last=IGN |date=1 August 2002 |website=ign.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202053248/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/08/01/come-out-to-play-i-ay |archive-date=2 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/08/01/take-two-delivers-the-warriors |title=Take-Two Delivers The Warriors |author=IGN Staff |date=1 August 2002 |website=ign.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202022941/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/08/01/take-two-delivers-the-warriors |archive-date=2 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[The Warriors (video game)|eponymous game]] was first shown at the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] in May 2005,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/12/pre-e3-2005-the-warriors-from-film-to-game |title=Pre-E3 2005: The Warriors: From Film to Game |first=Jeremy |last=Dunham |date=12 May 2005 |website=ign.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117025119/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/12/pre-e3-2005-the-warriors-from-film-to-game |archive-date=17 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and released in October that year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-warriors-hands-on/ |title=The Warriors hands-on |website=gamesradar.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040127/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-warriors-hands-on/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-warriors-10/ |title=The Warriors |website=gamesradar.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031930/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-warriors-10/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> The game was well received,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-warriors-review/1900-6136246/ |title=The Warriors Review |first=Alex |last=Navarro |date=20 October 2005 |website=gamespot.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033439/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-warriors-review/1900-6136246/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-warriors-fighting-styles-spotlight/1100-6165644/ |title=The Warriors Fighting Styles Spotlight |author=Gamespot Staff |date=8 February 2007 |website=gamespot.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032031/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-warriors-fighting-styles-spotlight/1100-6165644/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and a [[PlayStation Portable]] conversion of it was developed by Rockstar Toronto in conjunction with [[Rockstar Leeds]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/rockstar-games-announces-the-warriors-for-the-psp-playstationportable-system |title=Rockstar Games Announces The Warriors for the PSP®(PlayStation®Portable) System |website=gamesindustry.biz |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040106/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/rockstar-games-announces-the-warriors-for-the-psp-playstationportable-system |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> A [[spiritual successor]] to ''The Warriors'', tentatively titled ''We Are the Mods'', was originally planned, but ultimately cancelled.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/5792730/rockstar-had-planned-a-spiritual-successor-to-the-warriors |title=Rockstar Had Planned a 'Spiritual Successor' to The Warriors |first=Owen |last=Good |website=kotaku.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034646/https://kotaku.com/5792730/rockstar-had-planned-a-spiritual-successor-to-the-warriors |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/05/23/the-warriors-rages-onto-psn-next-week-as-ps2-classic/ |title=The Warriors rages onto PSN next week as PS2 Classic |website=engadget.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041409/https://www.engadget.com/2013/05/23/the-warriors-rages-onto-psn-next-week-as-ps2-classic/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 1 August 2002, Take-Two announced the acquisition of Barking Dog Studios, which would be renamed Rockstar Vancouver. As part of the acquisition, Rockstar Canada would be renamed Rockstar Toronto to avoid confusion between the two. Alongside the acquisition, Take-Two announced that the now-renamed Rockstar Toronto was working on a video game adaptation of the 1979 Walter Hill-directed film ''The Warriors''. The eponymous game was first shown at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in May 2005, and released in October that year. The game was well received, and a PlayStation Portable conversion of it was developed by Rockstar Toronto in conjunction with '''Rockstar Leeds'''. A spiritual successor to ''The Warriors'', tentatively titled ''We Are the Mods'', was originally planned, but ultimately cancelled.
Following the release of ''The Warriors'', Rockstar Toronto developed [[Wii]] ports of ''[[Manhunt 2]]'' (2007)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/02/06/rockstar-reveals-manhunt-2-for-the-ps2-psp-and-wii/ |title=Rockstar reveals Manhunt 2 for the PS2, PSP, and ... Wii |website=engadget.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040331/https://www.engadget.com/2007/02/06/rockstar-reveals-manhunt-2-for-the-ps2-psp-and-wii/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/02/06/rockstar-reveals-manhunt-2-for-the-wii/ |title=Rockstar reveals Manhunt 2 for the Wii |website=engadget.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116201049/https://www.engadget.com/2007/02/06/rockstar-reveals-manhunt-2-for-the-wii/ |archive-date=16 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/02/6946/ |title=Manhunt 2 coming to the PS2, PSP, and... Wii? |website=arstechnica.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033237/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/02/6946/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/103618/Rockstar_To_Debut_Manhunt_2_For_Wii_PS2_PSP.php |title=Rockstar To Debut Manhunt 2 For Wii, PS2, PSP |first=Simon |last=Carless |website=gamasutra.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033223/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/103618/Rockstar_To_Debut_Manhunt_2_For_Wii_PS2_PSP.php |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Bully: Scholarship Edition]]'' (2008),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/bully-scholarship-edition-impressions/1100-6184751/ |title=Bully: Scholarship Edition Impressions |first=Luke |last=Anderson |date=21 January 2008 |website=gamespot.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042816/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/bully-scholarship-edition-impressions/1100-6184751/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-files-new-bully-trademark-in-europe/1100-6416371/ |title=Take-Two files new Bully trademark in Europe |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |date=25 November 2013 |website=gamespot.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035425/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-files-new-bully-trademark-in-europe/1100-6416371/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[Microsoft Windows]] ports of ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'' (2008, in association with [[Rockstar New England]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/30/grand-theft-auto-iv-uk-hands-on |title=Grand Theft Auto IV UK Hands-on |first=Martin |last=Robinson |date=30 October 2008 |website=ign.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202040059/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/30/grand-theft-auto-iv-uk-hands-on |archive-date=2 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City]]'' (2010, comprising the two 2009-released ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' expoansions packs ''[[Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned|The Lost and Damned]]'' and ''[[Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony|The Ballad of Gay Tony]]''). In September 2008, Rockstar Toronto was rumoured to be working on a third instalment in the ''[[Max Payne]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gematsu.com/2008/09/rumor-max-payne-3-in-development-at-rockstar-toronto |title=Rumor: Max Payne 3 In Development at Rockstar Toronto? – Gematsu |date=30 September 2008 |website=gematsu.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219161859/https://gematsu.com/2008/09/rumor-max-payne-3-in-development-at-rockstar-toronto |archive-date=19 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/09/30/rumorang-max-payne-3-wont-stay-dead/ |title=Rumorang: Max Payne 3 won't stay dead |website=engadget.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032510/https://www.engadget.com/2008/09/30/rumorang-max-payne-3-wont-stay-dead/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/09/30/rumor-max-payne-3-in-development-at-rockstar-toronto/ |title=Rumor: Max Payne 3 in development at Rockstar Toronto |website=engadget.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034922/https://www.engadget.com/2008/09/30/rumor-max-payne-3-in-development-at-rockstar-toronto/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2010, Rockstar Toronto teased to be working on next-generation games.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gematsu.com/2010/11/rockstar-toronto-working-away-on-games-for-current-and-next-gen-consoles |title=Rockstar Toronto "working away on games for current and next-gen consoles" – Gematsu |date=18 November 2010 |website=gematsu.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043518/https://gematsu.com/2010/11/rockstar-toronto-working-away-on-games-for-current-and-next-gen-consoles |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> The company proceeded to collaborate with all other Rockstar Games studios, collectively referred to as [[Rockstar Studios]], to develop ''[[Max Payne 3]]'' (2012), also porting the game Microsoft Windows.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2014/12/11/pc-port-of-gta-5-is-being-handled-by-max-payne-3-team-rumour/ |title=PC port of GTA 5 is being handled by Max Payne 3 team – rumour |website=vg247.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220092003/https://www.vg247.com/2014/12/11/pc-port-of-gta-5-is-being-handled-by-max-payne-3-team-rumour/ |archive-date=20 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Following the release of ''The Warriors'', Rockstar Toronto developed Wii ports of ''Manhunt 2'' (2007) and ''Bully: Scholarship Edition'' (2008), and the Microsoft Windows ports of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' (2008, in association with Rockstar New England) and ''Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City'' (2010, comprising the two 2009-released ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' expansions packs ''Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned'' and ''Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony''. In September 2008, Rockstar Toronto was rumoured to be working on a third instalment in the ''Max Payne'' series. In November 2010, Rockstar Toronto teased to be working on next-generation games. The company proceeded to collaborate with all other Rockstar Games studios, collectively referred to as Rockstar Studios, to develop ''Max Payne 3'' (2012), also porting the game Microsoft Windows.
On 9 July 2012, Rockstar Games announced that Rockstar Toronto would be moving into a new, bigger, and custom-built studio within [[Oakville, Ontario]], into which Rockstar Vancouver would be merged.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/7/9/3147937/rockstar-expands-toronto-studio-to-ontario |title=Rockstar expands Toronto studio, closes Vancouver studio |first=Tracey |last=Lien |date=9 July 2012 |website=Polygon |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030913/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/7/9/3147937/rockstar-expands-toronto-studio-to-ontario |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/articles/development/rockstar-vancouver-shut-down-rockstar-toronto-absorbing-staff |title=Rockstar Vancouver shut down, Rockstar Toronto absorbing staff – MCV UK |date=10 July 2012 |website=mcvuk.com |access-date=20 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2012/07/10/rockstar-vancouver-merged-into-toronto-team/ |title=Rockstar Vancouver merged into Toronto team |website=vg247.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030003739/https://www.vg247.com/2012/07/10/rockstar-vancouver-merged-into-toronto-team/ |archive-date=30 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> All of Rockstar Vancouver's 35 employees at the time were given the possibility to move to the newly expanded Rockstar Toronto, or any other Rockstar Games studio.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/rockstar-toronto-getting-a-new-place-vancouver-moving-in-231025.phtml |title=Rockstar Toronto getting a new place, Vancouver moving in |website=destructoid.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512223610/http://www.destructoid.com/rockstar-toronto-getting-a-new-place-vancouver-moving-in-231025.phtml |archive-date=12 May 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/rockstar-vancouver-studio-closed-staff-asked-to-join-new-facili/ |title=Rockstar Vancouver studio closed, staff asked to join new facility in Toronto |website=engadget.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031756/https://www.engadget.com/2012/07/09/rockstar-vancouver-studio-closed-staff-asked-to-join-new-facili/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> The expansion and move was partially financed by the [[Government of Ontario]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/74721/rockstar-vancouver-closing-absorbed-by-rockstar-toronto |title=Rockstar Vancouver closing, absorbed by Rockstar Toronto |website=Shacknews |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043452/http://www.shacknews.com/article/74721/rockstar-vancouver-closing-absorbed-by-rockstar-toronto |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamezone.com/news/max-payne-3-vancouver-studio-closing-as-rockstar-expands-toronto-studio |title=Max Payne 3 Vancouver studio closing as Rockstar expands Toronto studio – GameZone |date=10 July 2012 |website=gamezone.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035016/http://www.gamezone.com/news/max-payne-3-vancouver-studio-closing-as-rockstar-expands-toronto-studio |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Jennifer Kolbe, [[vice-president]] of publishing and operations at Rockstar Games, stated that the move intended to make a single Canadian team that would "make for a powerful creative force on future projects",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-07-10-rockstar-vancouver-shuffles-employees-to-toronto |title=Rockstar Vancouver closes, shuffles employees to Toronto |website=gamesindustry.biz |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042248/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2012-07-10-rockstar-vancouver-shuffles-employees-to-toronto |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/rockstar-games-expands-toronto-development-studio/ |title=Rockstar Games expands Toronto development studio |website=gamesradar.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034533/http://www.gamesradar.com/rockstar-games-expands-toronto-development-studio/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and aimed at making room for 50 new positions at the company.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/173824/Max_Payne_3_developer_Rockstar_Vancouver_closing_its_doors.php |title=Max Payne 3 developer Rockstar Vancouver closing its doors |first=Tom |last=Curtis |website=gamasutra.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041715/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/173824/Max_Payne_3_developer_Rockstar_Vancouver_closing_its_doors.php |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-07-10-rockstar-closing-max-payne-3-studio-in-vancouver |title=Rockstar closing Max Payne 3 studio in Vancouver |first=Robert |last=Purchese |date=10 July 2012 |website=eurogamer.net |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042811/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-07-10-rockstar-closing-max-payne-3-studio-in-vancouver |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 November 2012, the company was legally renamed from Rockstar Toronto Inc., over Rockstar Games Toronto Inc.,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/corpreg/corpreg/crpn1129fin0712 |title=Corporate Registry Notices – November 29, 2012 |website=www.bclaws.ca |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031034/http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/corpreg/corpreg/crpn1129fin0712 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> to Rockstar Games Toronto ULC, as such becoming an [[unlimited liability corporation]] under the laws of [[British Columbia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/corpreg/corpreg/crpn1129fin0112 |title=Corporate Registry Notices – November 29, 2012 |website=www.bclaws.ca |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030441/http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/corpreg/corpreg/crpn1129fin0112 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
On 9 July 2012, Rockstar Games announced that Rockstar Toronto would be moving into a new, bigger, and custom-built studio within Oakville, Ontario, into which Rockstar Vancouver would be merged. All of Rockstar Vancouver's 35 employees at the time were given the possibility to move to the newly expanded Rockstar Toronto, or any other Rockstar Games studio. The expansion and move was partially financed by the Government of Ontario. Jennifer Kolbe, vice-president of publishing and operations at Rockstar Games, stated that the move intended to make a single Canadian team that would "make for a powerful creative force on future projects", and aimed at making room for 50 new positions at the company. On 22 November 2012, the company was legally renamed from Rockstar Toronto Inc., over Rockstar Games Toronto Inc., to Rockstar Games Toronto ULC, as such becoming an unlimited liability corporation under the laws of British Columbia.
By July 2013, job postings again started teasing a next-generation game in development at Rockstar Toronto.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/5871-rockstar-toronto-developing-nextgen-open-world-game |title=Rockstar Toronto Developing Next-Gen Open World Game – GameRevolution |date=9 July 2013 |website=gamerevolution.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041510/http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/5871-rockstar-toronto-developing-nextgen-open-world-game |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> The studio assisted [[Rockstar North]] on developing ''[[Grand Theft Auto V]]'', which first released in September 2013, as well as handling its Microsoft Windows port, which released in April 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/grand-theft-auto-v/hands-on-with-gta-v-on-pc-the-ultimate-port |title=Hands on with GTA V on PC: the "ultimate" port |website=pcgamesn.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213201256/https://www.pcgamesn.com//grand-theft-auto-v/hands-on-with-gta-v-on-pc-the-ultimate-port |archive-date=13 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> For the Microsoft Windows versions of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' and ''Grand Theft Auto V'', respectively, Rockstar Toronto developed a built-in [[video editor]] for footage captured in-game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/more-from-the-gta-iv-pc-video-editor |title=More from the GTA IV PC video editor |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |date=21 November 2008 |website=eurogamer.net |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035247/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/more-from-the-gta-iv-pc-video-editor |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/gta-5-pc-director-mode/ |title=Rockstar details GTA 5 PC's director mode |website=pcgamer.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110192335/http://www.pcgamer.com/gta-5-pc-director-mode/ |archive-date=10 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Journalists remarked ''Grand Theft Auto V''{{'s}} Microsoft Windows version as its "ultimate version".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-5-pc-is-the-ultimate-version/1100-6426513/ |title=GTA 5 PC Is the "Ultimate" Version |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |date=9 April 2015 |website=gamespot.com |access-date=20 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032036/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-5-pc-is-the-ultimate-version/1100-6426513/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
By July 2013, job postings again started teasing a next-generation game in development at Rockstar Toronto. The studio assisted Rockstar North on developing ''Grand Theft Auto V'', which first released in September 2013, as well as handling its Microsoft Windows port, which released in April 2015. For the Microsoft Windows versions of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' and ''Grand Theft Auto V'', respectively, Rockstar Toronto developed a built-in video editor for footage captured in-game. Journalists remarked ''Grand Theft Auto V''{{'s}} Microsoft Windows version as its "ultimate version".
== Games developed ==
== Games developed ==
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|-
|-
| 1988
| 1988
| ''[echno Cop''
| ''Techno Cop''
| Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, Sega Genesis, ZX Spectrum
| Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, Sega Genesis, ZX Spectrum
Imagexcel was a Canadian development studio established in 1981, Based in Oakville, Ontario. The company was established as Imagexcel and became part of GameTek through its Alternative Reality Technologies (ART) division in March 1995. ART was acquired by Take-Two Interactive in July 1997 and became part of Take-Two's Rockstar Games label in 1999 as Rockstar Canada. In August 2002, the company was renamed Rockstar Toronto to avoid confusion with the newly acquired Rockstar Vancouver.
History
As Imagexcel and Alternative Reality Technologies (1988–1999)
Imagexcel was established "before the time of He-Man". A notable game produced under the Imagexcel name was Quarantine (1994). By the time of Quarantines development, Imagexcel consisted of programmers Kevin Hoare, Ed Zolnieryk and Andy Brownbill, and artists Greg Bick and Ray Larabie.
On 9 March 1995, it was announced that the company's assets had been acquired by Alternative Reality Technologies (ART), a newly formed division of GameTek. As ART, the company developed Quarantine II: Road Warrior, which was released in 1996, and Dark Colony, which was released in 1997. On 31 July 1997, Take-Two Interactive announced that they had acquired several assets from GameTek, including ART, GameTek's European offices, and distribution rights to GameTek's Dark Colony, Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune games.
As part of Rockstar Games (1999–present)
In 1999, ART became part of Rockstar Games, Take-Two's previously established publishing label, and assumed the name Rockstar Canada. Under this name, the studio created two Grand Theft Auto expansion packs: Grand Theft Auto: London 1969 and Grand Theft Auto: London 1961, and later ported two Rockstar Games titles to PlayStation 2: Oni (2001) and Max Payne (2001).
On 1 August 2002, Take-Two announced the acquisition of Barking Dog Studios, which would be renamed Rockstar Vancouver. As part of the acquisition, Rockstar Canada would be renamed Rockstar Toronto to avoid confusion between the two. Alongside the acquisition, Take-Two announced that the now-renamed Rockstar Toronto was working on a video game adaptation of the 1979 Walter Hill-directed film The Warriors. The eponymous game was first shown at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in May 2005, and released in October that year. The game was well received, and a PlayStation Portable conversion of it was developed by Rockstar Toronto in conjunction with Rockstar Leeds. A spiritual successor to The Warriors, tentatively titled We Are the Mods, was originally planned, but ultimately cancelled.
Following the release of The Warriors, Rockstar Toronto developed Wii ports of Manhunt 2 (2007) and Bully: Scholarship Edition (2008), and the Microsoft Windows ports of Grand Theft Auto IV (2008, in association with Rockstar New England) and Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City (2010, comprising the two 2009-released Grand Theft Auto IV expansions packs Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned and Grand Theft Auto: The Ballad of Gay Tony. In September 2008, Rockstar Toronto was rumoured to be working on a third instalment in the Max Payne series. In November 2010, Rockstar Toronto teased to be working on next-generation games. The company proceeded to collaborate with all other Rockstar Games studios, collectively referred to as Rockstar Studios, to develop Max Payne 3 (2012), also porting the game Microsoft Windows.
On 9 July 2012, Rockstar Games announced that Rockstar Toronto would be moving into a new, bigger, and custom-built studio within Oakville, Ontario, into which Rockstar Vancouver would be merged. All of Rockstar Vancouver's 35 employees at the time were given the possibility to move to the newly expanded Rockstar Toronto, or any other Rockstar Games studio. The expansion and move was partially financed by the Government of Ontario. Jennifer Kolbe, vice-president of publishing and operations at Rockstar Games, stated that the move intended to make a single Canadian team that would "make for a powerful creative force on future projects", and aimed at making room for 50 new positions at the company. On 22 November 2012, the company was legally renamed from Rockstar Toronto Inc., over Rockstar Games Toronto Inc., to Rockstar Games Toronto ULC, as such becoming an unlimited liability corporation under the laws of British Columbia.
By July 2013, job postings again started teasing a next-generation game in development at Rockstar Toronto. The studio assisted Rockstar North on developing Grand Theft Auto V, which first released in September 2013, as well as handling its Microsoft Windows port, which released in April 2015. For the Microsoft Windows versions of Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto V, respectively, Rockstar Toronto developed a built-in video editor for footage captured in-game. Journalists remarked Grand Theft Auto VTemplate:'s Microsoft Windows version as its "ultimate version".
Games developed
As Imagexcel
Year
Title
Platform(s)
Publisher(s)
Notes
1988
Techno Cop
Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, Sega Genesis, ZX Spectrum
Gremlin Graphics, U.S. Gold, RazorSoft
Co-developed with Gray Matter
1990
The Ultimate Ride
Amiga, Atari ST
Mindscape
1994
Quarantine
3DO Interactive Multiplayer, MS-DOS, PlayStation, Sega Saturn
GameTek
N/A
As Alternative Reality Technologies
Year
Title
Platform(s)
Publisher(s)
1996
Quarantine II: Road Warrior
MS-DOS
Mindscape, GameTek
1997
Dark Colony
Classic Mac OS, Microsoft Windows
Strategic Simulations
As Rockstar Canada
Year
Title
Platform(s)
Publisher(s)
Notes
1999
Grand Theft Auto: London 1969
Microsoft Windows, MS-DOS, PlayStation
Rockstar Games
Expansion pack for Grand Theft Auto
Grand Theft Auto: London 1961
Microsoft Windows, MS-DOS
2001
Oni
PlayStation 2
Ported only; game developed by Bungie West
Max Payne
PlayStation 2
Ported only; game developed by Remedy Entertainment
As Rockstar Toronto
Year
Title
Platform(s)
Publisher(s)
Notes
2005
The Warriors
PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Xbox
Rockstar Games
N/A
2007
Manhunt 2
Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii
Supportive development for Rockstar London; also ported to Wii
2008
Bully: Scholarship Edition
Microsoft Windows, Wii, Xbox 360
Supportive development for Mad Doc Software; also ported to Wii
Grand Theft Auto IV
Microsoft Windows
Ported only, together with Rockstar New England; game developed by Rockstar North
2010
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City
Microsoft Windows
2012
Max Payne 3
macOS, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Developed as part of Rockstar Studios; also ported to Microsoft Windows
2013
Grand Theft Auto V
Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Supportive development for Rockstar North; also ported to Microsoft Windows