The "Grand Theft Auto VI" leak is speeding ahead without an exit in sight - Axios
A preview screenshot from "Grand Theft Auto VI." Photo: Rockstar Games An anonymous hacker has been leaking purported "Grand Theft Auto VI" gameplay footage this week and shows no signs of hitting the brakes. Why it matters: "GTA VI" is one of the decade's most anticipated games, so unauthorized footage could complicate the publisher's rollout. Reality check: There has been some skepticism about whether these are real leaks or if the clips are polished versions of the older "GTA V." Rockstar has not officially confirmed the footage.
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A preview screenshot from "Grand Theft Auto VI." Photo: Rockstar Games
An anonymous hacker has been leaking purported "Grand Theft Auto VI" gameplay footage this week and shows no signs of hitting the brakes.
Why it matters: "GTA VI" is one of the decade's most anticipated games, so unauthorized footage could complicate the publisher's rollout.
Stunning stat: Take-Two Interactive, the parent company behind the game's publisher Rockstar, lost $2 billion in market cap amid the recent leaks. The value has since rebounded.
Driving the news: An anonymous hacker using the handle LEEK has shared at least six clips seemingly showing "GTA VI" gameplay, including:
The hacker went silent for 24 hours, fueling speculation they had been caught, before resurfacing Friday with footage of a character destroying a Bugatti.
Reality check: There has been some skepticism about whether these are real leaks or if the clips are polished versions of the older "GTA V." Rockstar has not officially confirmed the footage.
What they're saying: The hacker says the leaks are a protest against Rockstar taking digital preorders without offering a physical edition of "GTA VI."
The other side: Rockstar and Take-Two did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Axios.
Zoom out: Accounts sharing the clips have garnered millions of views across X, YouTube and TikTok.
Yes, but: Some gamers are worried the hacker will share crucial details of the "GTA VI" story before its launch in November.
What's next: Rockstar plans to release new footage in a Netflix special on Aug. 28.
Go deeper: The video game industry is running out of extra lives