A legal battle is brewing over the profit-sharing deal between a former lead developer for Grand Theft Auto and the hit videogame franchise’s publisher.

Leslie Benzies, former president of a division at Rockstar Games, the studio behind Grand Theft Auto, is suing the parent company Take-Two Interactive Software, saying it owes him more than US$150 million (A$194 million) in unpaid royalties.

Take-Two filed a counter-suit, alleging breach of contract.