Rockstar Games was subjected to the biggest leak in gaming history over the weekend. Nearly a hundred in-development clips of Grand Theft Auto 6 found their way into the hands of malicious individuals and the internet. Given the irrefutable proof that they indeed contained GTA 6 info, fans waited for an official statement from Rockstar Games, which was released just a little over 24 hours after the leak went viral.
A Message from Rockstar Games pic.twitter.com/T4Wztu8RW8
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) September 19, 2022
The two takeaways from Rockstar's statements are: it's "extremely disappointed" by what's happened and it doesn't expect this incident to delay the development of GTA 6.
We've had GTA 6 leaks before but this is not one of them. This current incident is illegal and criminal. We're expecting the hacker to see jail time or at least face serious legal repercussions. In addition to leaking sensitive and private information about GTA 6, the hacker also threatened to sell the source code to GTA 5 and even GTA 6. This ongoing situation is a legal nightmare for all parties involved. We doubt the Take-Two and Rockstar will let this one slide easily.
A quick search online will tell you that the hacker is no longer active. Apparently, another hacker has compromised their position and possibly deleted their accounts. However, it's difficult to know what's happening until the dust has fully settled.
The only good thing to come out of this is that it will likely force Rockstar to do a proper announcement of GTA 6, possibly with a release window, if not a short teaser trailer. Then again, maybe Rockstar decides to hunker down ever more.
The leaked footage all but confirms that GTA 6 will take place in a contemporary version of Vice City, which was the setting of 2002's GTA: Vice City and 2006's GTA: Vice City Stories. We wouldn't be surprised if the expected official announcement sees the "VI" in the game's logo morph into "Vice City".
In addition, Rockstar will have to do damage control for those who believe that the "early development footage" represents the final product. A 30-second teaser trailer with much better graphics, preferably fitting that of a game exclusive to the PS5 and Xbox Series S/X, should help put fan concerns to ease.
In the meantime, GTA fans can keep themselves busy by playing Saints Row. The internet is roasting the Deep Silver Volition reboot for its "dated" graphics. But, for fans of the GTA and Saints Row franchises in the past, it should be plenty of fun enough.
