Computer consultant sues over alleged GTA idea theft

A Scottish computer consultant has filed a legal action against Rockstar North, alleging that the company's massively popular Grand Theft Auto series is based on a concept he showed to the company in the early 90's.

Mark Gallagher claims that he demonstrated a game called Crime Inc to Rockstar North (or DMA Design, as then was) in late 1993, which featured many of the elements which later went on to become part of GTA's winning formula when it was launched in 1997.

According to Mr Gallagher, he went for a job interview with DMA Design in December 1993, and used a demonstration disc of his Crime Inc game to prove his practical abilities - a disc which, he claims, was never returned to him even though he failed to get the position.

Rockstar North is contesting the action, which is set to be heard at Edinburgh's Court of Session shortly, having been granted a continuation at the request of both sides ahead of its original court date of Thursday this week.

Grand Theft Auto, of course, has gone on to become one of the best-selling games of all time with the launch of PS2 titles Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand Theft Auto Vice City.