Scots businessman who developed Grand Theft Auto V sues company for $150m

Leslie Benzies was the former boss of Rockstar North and director of the video game Grand Theft Auto V.

Mr Benzies said that after a six month sabbatical he was not allowed to return to the company’s Edinburgh offices and that his royalty payments were stopped.

In 2014, Mr Benzies left his post after 20 years, saying he was going on sabbatical. However, he was not allowed to return and his security credentials were revoked.

The company is accused of making “scurrilous allegations” against him to justify his dismissal.

Christopher Bakes, Mr Benzies’ lawyer, from US firm Locke Lord LLP said in a statement that his client was a principal of Rockstar, along with Sam Houser and Dan Houser, each of whom had identical contracts with parent company Take-Two which provided for royalties.

He said: “This was the company’s way of rewarding Mr. Benzies by bringing him into the highest compensation tier.

“Having reached this height, Mr. Benzies’ removal after years of receiving compensation identical to the Housers was the product of what turned out to be a lengthy deception by Sam Houser.

“The complaint describes Sam Houser’s mounting resentments after many years of high praise.”

He added: “Mr. Benzies has spent the bulk of his life in the video game industry, and looks forward to reaching a fair settlement so he can continue creating great entertainment software in a respectful environment that truly values the work of game developers.”

The company denies the claims and is counter-suing Mr Benzies, who lives in California, in a New York court.

Their suit states: “Benzies resigned without good reason, and the Royalty Plan therefore provides that he is not entitled to any royalties not already accrued and payable to him prior to termination.”

Rockstar North told GamesIndustry.biz: “Leslie Benzies was a valued employee of our company for many years.

“Sadly, the events that culminated in his resignation ultimately stem from his significant performance and conduct issues.

“Despite our repeated efforts to address and resolve these issues amicably both before and after his departure, Leslie has chosen to take this route in an attempt to set aside contract terms to which he previously agreed on multiple occasions.”