You might have heard of a little known game series called Grand Theft Auto, which is made by Edinburgh-based Rockstar North and has had some moderate success over the last two decades. Today, it’s been revealed that Leslie Benzies, who was president of Rockstar North, has decided to leave the company after a long sabbatical.
While the Houser brothers after the better known names at the rather secretive developer, Leslie has been a very influential figure within the company, acting as producer on all of the Grand Theft Auto titles since GTA III.
In a statement to Kotaku, Rockstar said:
We can confirm that Leslie Benzies went on sabbatical on September 1, 2014 and has decided not to return to work for the company. We are very grateful for Leslie’s contributions to Rockstar over the last 15 years as we worked together to make some amazing games.
Leslie helped us build an incredible team that will continue to create great experiences for our fans. Leslie will always be a friend to the company and of course we are going to miss him but we wish him the absolute best for the future.
He’s succeeded at the head of Rockstar North by Aaron Garbut and Rob Nelson, who were both credited as art directors on previous titles.
Source: Kotaku
gazzagb
Not taking anything away from the guy (he has an amazing legacy) but I’m kinda glad if this means we’ll see something different coming from Rockstar in the near future.
beeje13
Rockstar North is one of a few studios under the R* umbrella. I just cannot see themselves doing anything other than GTA for the forseeable future, it’s well loved, and they are ( I think) the highest selling console games by quite a way.
The Lone Steven
Most likely more GTA online stuff instead of just a new GTA game. :-/
gazzagb
But more recently they’ve collaborated/supported with other R* studios to make other games e.g Red Dead, LA Noire, Max Payne, so there’s every chance they’ll push the boat out and do something different. Yes, GTA V made them a shedload of money, but surely they’re smart enough not to milk it to death like some other major franchises?
The Lone Steven
They seem to be milking Online for what it’s worth and seem to be putting any and new content into Online instead of delivering the promised Single Player DLC Add-Ons..
beeje13
Hmmm I’d argue they aren’t milking it at all, 5 years between games is plenty space.
Having said that Agent was being developed at R* North…