A man from Aberdeen who shook up the computer game industry – and developed the well-known Grand Theft Auto series – received an honorary degree from the city’s Robert Gordon University (RGU) yesterday.
Leslie Benzies was presented with his new title by Professor Richard Laing, of the design faculty, who went to school with him many years ago.
Prof Laing highlighted his old friend’s successes in the gaming industry.
He said: “After Leslie left school he used his programming skills to build software for businesses around the world.
“In his spare time he would continue to develop games, he wrote his first game whilst still at school and began to win competitions.
“In 1996, DMA Design took notice of his talents and offered Leslie a one-week trial.
“Within weeks of his trial period, he was appointed head of programming for the Nintendo 64 dream team game Space Station Silicon Valley, which received widespread critical acclaim upon release in 1998.”
Mr Benzies went on to take over the Grand Theft Auto concept, which would change the gaming industry permanently.
Professor Laing added: “Under Leslie’s leadership, GTA III was released in 2001 and is considered a landmark in game design and development.”
Mr Benzies now heads up Edinburgh based company Rockstar North, and is also a major investor and shareholder in Elgin City Football Club.
After receiving his honorary degree, he said: “It’s great to receive the honour in the city where I was born, I love Aberdeen for the honesty and humour of the people who live here.”