Grand Theft Auto Creators’ $150M Royalties Lawsuit

A 2009 royalty plan worth millions is at the heart of a dispute between the three executives behind video game juggernaut series Grand Theft Auto. Leslie Benzies, former Rockstar North president, claims that while taking a mutually agreed-upon sabbatical in 2014, Take-Two Interactive Software owners Sam and Dan Houser cut off communications, fired his key support staff, and remotely disabled his Blackberry. While he was gone, Benzies says, the Housers awarded themselves a profit distribution share. Take-Two claims that Benzies “resigned without good reason and plaintiffs have paid Benzies all amounts required under his employment agreement and other related agreements.” When Benzies tried to return, his access credentials were denied and he was told to leave Rockstar North’s offices. Reportedly during this time, Benzies received a note from an executive vice president that said, “Sam [Houser] thinks you’ve had enough.” Benzies seeks $150 million in damages.