The man credited for the popular Xbox, Playstation and PC Game Grand Theft Auto, known for its action packed adventure content, is no longer with the company.
Rockstar Studio, the publisher of GTA, confirmed that the man in charge of the game has been on leave for the past several months. The departure of the long time producer and studio head has left GTA fans hanging. Where did Leslie Benzies go?
Benzies and his team has had a major role in the development of the Grand Theft Auto Franchise for the past two decades and Rockstar had this to say about the main man:
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.
The statement also credited Benzies for building a creative and incredible team. The very same team that will continue to create games for the studio's current fan base. Ending the announcement on a tender note, Rockstar stated that Benzies will remain a friend to the studio and will miss him. While everyone is wishing the best for Benzies and the studio is confident that the current team can still uphold the studio name, who is manning the wheel with him gone? Rockstar North is now being headed by Aaron Garbut and Rob Nelson.
Rockstar is still walking the GTA line but Benzies won't be alongside. Reports have not indicated how many months Benzies was absent but it leaves Grand Theft Auto fans wondering what future games would be like with Benzies not around.
Benzies, along with other Rockstar co-founders, have been named as an entrant to the Academy of Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame.
