More information has come to light on the Team Bondi/L.A. Noire story since it was originally posted on IGN, where it was alleged studio boss, Brendan McNamara, mismanaged the team with studio-wide expectations they work on a constant crunch-time mantra, that included weekends and regular overtime, and all without remuneration. According to the report, this went on for much of the seven-year development cycle of the game, which is why Team Bondi had so many different employees through its door during L.A. Noire's development life.

We reported on this story, and also on the response to the article and accusations by the IGDA (Independent Game Developers Association) who are working on piecing together a full investigation into the claims and the work practices of Team Bondi.

Overnight, the Aussie writer who broke the story, Andrew McMillan, posted even more of his revealing investigation with Gamesindustry.biz (free registration required), where more of his Team Bondi sources are now filling in the other end of the debacle, which includes Rockstar Games' reaction to just what was going on at the studio.

"I've heard a lot about Rockstar's disdain for Team Bondi," expressed one ex-Team Bondi employee to McMillan. "And it has been made quite clear that they will not publish Team Bondi's next game.

"It's also worth pointing out that Rockstar used to be very keen on making Team Bondi something like 'Rockstar Sydney'," the source added. "The more they worked with Team Bondi management, the more they came to understand that this was a terrible idea.

"Team Bondi are trying to find another publisher for their next title, but the relationship with Rockstar has been badly damaged - Brendan treats L.A. Noire like a success due to his vision but I think Rockstar are the ones who saved the project," said the source. "They continued to sink money into LA Noire, and their marketing was fantastic. Without their continued support, Team Bondi would have gone under several years ago."

Hit the Gamesindustry.biz link in the body of this post, and prepare yourself because it's an infuriating read, especially because McMillan's latest update includes a host of leaked emails backing the ex-member's allegations. What's also made abundantly clear from all of this is the Team Bondi name is now incredibly tainted, which is clearly a bad thing for the current crop of Aussie developers still clinging to their jobs and the hopes of a brighter future now that L.A. Noire has proven as success.