Rockstar Games has confirmed that the recent wave of Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay footage leaked online is authentic, calling the situation "desgarrador" (heartbreaking) for the team. The leaks, attributed to an anonymous figure known as CyberLeek, began around August 18 and have included over ten clips showing gameplay mechanics, map details, and adult content.
CyberLeek has released videos depicting protagonist Jason Duval in various activities, including combat, driving, and exploring locations like Vice City and the fictional state of Leonida. The footage also reveals a potential karma system and a six-star wanted level. The leaker has published a manifesto criticizing the industry's shift to digital-only releases, particularly the "code in a box" physical editions, and has demanded changes to DLC practices and offline play. However, CyberLeek is also monetizing the leaks, selling advertising space and custom videos for 400 Monero (about $165,000), and promoting a cryptocurrency.
Rockstar confirmed the leaks' authenticity in a statement, apologizing for the prolonged wait and noting that the game is "almost" finished. The company has not commented on the investigation, but Take-Two Interactive has filed legal actions to identify the leaker, including subpoenas to Microsoft and Discord. This is not the first major leak for Rockstar; in 2022, a similar incident involving a teenager cost the company $5 million.
Despite the leaks, Rockstar is proceeding with its planned showcase, "Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look," which will premiere exclusively on Netflix on August 27 at 9:00 PM CEST (1:00 PM Mexico City time, 4:00 PM Argentina time). Six hours later, it will be available for free on YouTube and the official website. The showcase is expected to feature the first real gameplay footage of Jason and Lucia in Leonida.
