Rockstar North, the uber-secretive Edinburgh-based developer behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise, is going through a bit of a shake-up at the minute. Leslie Benzies, one of the key figures behind the aforementioned sandbox series, has departed the company after over 15 years of service. He originally joined the firm in 1999, when it was then known as DMA Design.
Benzies, apparently, has been on a sabbatical from the organisation since 1st September 2014, but has decided not to come back to work. "We are very grateful for Leslie's contributions to Rockstar over the last 15 years as we worked together to make some amazing games," a spokesperson said. "Leslie helped us build an incredible team that will continue to create great experiences for our fans."
Benzies, beside the Houser brothers, is credited as one of the most influential figures behind Grand Theft Auto's world domination. Rob Nelson will now lead Rockstar North, as rumours regarding additional story content for Grand Theft Auto V intensify. He'll be assisted by Aaron Garbut, a veteran at the award-winning organisation.
[source kotaku.com, via eurogamer.net]
Comments 6
DMA Design, didn't they create Lemmings?
I wonder if worldwide sales of Shortbread are eclipsed by GTA sales , after Whisky and oil it must surely be Scotlands most famous and profitable export .
@Dodoo Yup!
@get2sammyb Thanks, thought I recognised the name!
@Dodoo The guy who drew the very first Lemming for DMA worked in a McDonalds a couple of weeks before drawing it. They were meant to be used as soldiers for a game in development called walker (you moved the head of a mech type vehicle separately from moving the feet - good game but nothing special) that game took an age to come out so Psygnosis (the publisher) in Liverpool signed up to Lemmings which was now a proof of concept with a few missions instead, and the rest as they say is history. Mad story - bet that blokes glad he left McDonalds haha.
@themcnoisy Thanks for that. You win todays award for interesting gaming insight!
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