Leslie Benzies, boss of the Edinburgh-based Rockstar North studio behind the development of the Grand Theft Auto series, has left Rockstar Games. Benzies had been on sabbatical for the past 17 months and decided not to return to work for the company.

Alongside Rockstar co-founders Sam and Dan Houser, Benzies was instrumental in the development of the Grand Theft Auto series—which continues to be developed out of Edinburgh—as well as the likes of Red Dead Redemption, Manhunt 2, LA Noire and Max Payne 3.

Benzies' contributions to the industry were recognised back in 2014 as he was inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame alongside Dan and Sam Houser.

"We are very grateful for Leslie's contributions to Rockstar over the last 15 years as we worked together to make some amazing games," Rockstar Games said in a statement. "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."

Benzies joined Rockstar in 1999, back when the company was still know as DMA design. He first worked as a programmer on the N64 game Space Station Silicon Valley, before focusing his efforts on the Grand Theft Auto and the groundbreaking GTA III. Rockstar North is now led by Rockstar veterans Aaron Garbut and Rob Nelson.