The group responsible for leaking extensive footage of Grand Theft Auto 6 has claimed their actions were a protest for gamers' rights, even as advertisements for a memecoin and donation requests were appended to the leaked content. The consumer rights organization Stop Killing Games has since spoken out against the hackers, urging the public not to support their actions.
Stop Killing Games released several minutes of what appears to be GTA 6 gameplay, though developer Rockstar Games has yet to officially comment. The game's owner, Take-Two Interactive, has initiated DMCA takedown notices, suggesting the footage's authenticity. The hackers reportedly stated in a now-unavailable online manifesto that the leak was a response to Grand Theft Auto 6's planned console physical edition being a code-in-a-box release. They also warned of further actions against developers who adopt similar release practices.
This incident follows an earlier leak in 2022, where early footage of GTA 6 was also compromised. At that time, Take-Two described the leaks as "frustrating" and "upsetting."
Stop Killing Games, known for its campaigns against the termination of online games, has criticized the current hacker group's methods, arguing they could negatively impact the thousands of developers who worked on GTA 6. In a statement, the group wrote that using illegal means to make a point is unacceptable and does not protect anyone's right to continue using purchased content. They emphasized that regardless of disagreements with company management decisions, the developers who dedicated hard work to the project are the ones most affected. Stop Killing Games encouraged channeling frustration into constructive action, noting that destructive acts risk damaging the reputation of gaming communities and their potential for positive change.
An official preview of Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated to be shown on Netflix on August 27, marking the first in-depth look at the game in over a year.