The president of "Grand Theft Auto V" game developer Rockstar North purchased and will preserve St. Stephen's Church in Edinburgh, Scotland. Leslie Benzies is thought to have spent over 500,000 pounds ($851,725) on the property.

According to the Edinburgh Evening News, Benzies, known as the "Godfather of Gaming," bought the church as an "entirely philanthropic purchase," as he wants to maintain it for the Edinburgh community, said his spokesman, Philip Johnston.

"Stockbridge is a busy residential area with a relatively small number of community venues," Johnston told the newspaper. "The preservation of St. Stephen's church as a community center meets a pressing need, as well as protecting an important historical building."

Benzies reportedly wants to preserve the church "for years to come" so he can "ensure the long-term viability of the property as a community center that benefits all," Johnston said. In addition, Benzies helped set up a charitable trust featuring local residents for the church's community center.

"We are delighted that we can help bring the church back to its former glory, securing its future whilst providing a renovated local and performing arts center that will benefit the wider community," Johnston said.

Johnston added that Benzies has been living in Edinburgh for over 10 years.

While the president of Rockstar North is taking time to help the community, Rockstar Games has apparently not had time to complete its Heists update for the online version of "Grand Theft Auto V." Rockstar Games had said the update would drop "this spring."

"We know many fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of the Online Heists that we had planned to release for you this spring, and they are taking more time to create than originally anticipated," Rockstar Games said on its Newswire blog last week. "We are very sorry for the delay and are working hard to bring them to you as soon as we can."

According to Rockstar Games, the delay is the result of the developer wanting the best of the best for Grand Theft Auto Online players.
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Follow Scharon Harding on Twitter: @ScharHar.

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