‘Grand Theft Auto V’ Developer Suing BBC Over Upcoming Drama

The upcoming drama from BBC chronicling GTA V developer Rockstar Games is being sued by Rockstar, according to an IGN report. The drama was thought to have the blessing of the Grand Theft Auto maker, but clearly that is not the case.

The docudrama, currently named Game Changer, is set to chronicle the issues between Rockstar President Sam Houser and Jack Thompson, an outspoken U.S. Lawyer who is against the Grand Theft Auto series. Reports had indicated that Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame was set to play Houser, while Bill Paxton was billed to play Thompson.

Take-Two Interactive, the parent company who owns Rockstar, released a statement to IGN, claiming the lawsuit is to protect their intellectual property. Grand Theft Auto V is a major cash maker for the publisher, so it’s no surprise that any attempt to cash in without their consent is going to be contested.

“Take-Two Interactive has filed suit against the BBC for trademark infringement based on their movie currently titled ‘Game Changer’ as it relates to Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto video game series.

While holders of the trademarks referenced in the film title and its promotion, Rockstar Games has had no involvement with this project. Our goal is to ensure that our trademarks are not misused in the BBC’s pursuit of an unofficial depiction of purported events related to Rockstar Games. We have attempted multiple times to resolve this matter with the BBC without any meaningful resolution. It is our obligation to protect our intellectual property and unfortunately in this case litigation was necessary.”

Grand Theft Auto V has been a massive commercial success for Rockstar and in turn, Take-Two Interactive. As of the last count, GTA V has sold over 52 million copies across the five platforms. Recently, it was reported by the Inquisitr that over 75 percent of Grand Theft Auto V sales on PC were digital. It was also reported that story DLC for Grand Theft Auto V might actually be coming after all, even though earlier reports showed Take-Two denying that claim.

Hopefully, for both the BBC and fans interested in the Rockstar story, the GTA V developer and the BBC can come to some sort of arrangement. Filming for Game Changer reportedly began around April 20, so for any work to be salvaged, a conclusion needs to come quickly.

Were you looking forward to the Grand Theft Auto V docudrama, Game Changer? Sound off in the comments below.

[Image via Rockstar Games]