GTA 6 Leaked: What We Know So Far

Roaring up an unexpected storm, a hacker by the handle of “teapotuberhacker” has released 90 videos allegedly depicting test game footage from Grand Theft Auto (GTA) VI on GTAForums.

In a solemn notes announcement tweeted by developer Rockstar Games, the company revealed a “network intrusion in which an unauthorized third party illegally accessed and downloaded confidential information…including early development footage.”

Threatening to release more data on test builds, as well as source codes and assets, the hacker challenged Take Two and Rockstar Games employees to a negotiation, insisting they would accept a sum no lower than “under 5 figs” in exchange for retrieval of the source codes. The hacker was said to also have claimed they were in possession of GTA VI documents detailing the full storyline, funds behind the production, as well as tactical stats for vehicles and weapons.

It is speculated by Uber that the hackers attacking Rockstar Games are associated with a group of teenage tech delinquents known as Lapsus$, who have recently also attacked the ridesharing enterprise.

Having kept GTA fans parched for any sort of news on the series since the release of GTA V in 2013, Rockstar Games has stayed characteristically tight-lipped about developments, down to keeping the concept art private. Development of the sixth instalment in the series was only teased at ever so vaguely in early 2022, leading to a 7% hike in stocks value by a mere mention. In a blog post on the Rockstar Games site, the company said it’s “pleased to confirm that active development for the next entry in the Grand Theft Auto series is well underway.”

Bursting the dam, the leaked clips reveal rudimentary gameplay demos that confirm rumours of the series’ first-ever female protagonist named Lucia and seem to be set in Vice City. Takedowns have since been raining down on social media sites, gaming forums and discussion boards, along with video hosting platforms in every corner of the internet.

Fans were worried the grand leak would lead to delays in the game’s release, with many taking to Twitter to vent their frustrations. However, the company still affirms that “work on the next Grand Theft Auto game will continue as planned,” with game trend analysts echoing the statement along with a speculative 2024 release date, letting game fans heave a sigh of relief before returning to a well-worn copy of Grand Theft Auto V that’s old enough to enter year five of primary if it were sentient.