Rockstar Games has publicly addressed the significant leaks of Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay footage, with a senior developer at Rockstar North describing the experience as "weirdly invasive." Aaron Garbut, who works at the studio, likened the feeling to having one's "dirty washing" exposed, stating it's "like they're inside your head" and difficult to process emotionally when early, unseen work is made public.
The comments emerge alongside a new wave of gameplay leaks attributed to a figure known as CyberLeek, who has reportedly begun shutting down associated online activities. This latest leak is described as substantial, with the leaker having previously promoted a memecoin.
The 2022 security breach, which led to the initial mass of GTA 6 leaks, was investigated, and the hacker responsible is reportedly set to face court proceedings on November 9, shortly before the game's official launch. This incident prompted Rockstar to implement a stricter return-to-office policy for its developers, moving away from remote work. Jennifer Kolbe, publishing boss at Rockstar, indicated that while the policy might be re-evaluated post-launch, significant changes are unlikely, citing security concerns.
Reports suggest that the original vision for GTA 6 was more expansive and could have led to an earlier release. Details from an extensive report also indicate that the game's development did not reach the previously rumored $1.5 billion cost. Furthermore, a dedicated studio was reportedly established to focus solely on creating non-player characters (NPCs). The article also touches on Rockstar's commitment to realism, beginning its "experiment" with the help of "beer and sandwiches," and suggests that the studio will not require another eight-year development cycle for its subsequent title.
Grand Theft Auto VI is slated for release on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. There remains a possibility of further delays.