Topline
Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of “Grand Theft Auto VI” developer Rockstar Games, issued subpoenas against Microsoft and Discord on Thursday, seeking troves of data as it looks to identify who is behind gameplay leaks of the highly anticipated video game that spread across social media this week.
Multiple gameplay leaks of “Grand Theft Auto VI” were posted on social media this week.
Photo Illustration by Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Key Facts
The subpoenas, first reported by Kotaku and filed in the Southern District of New York, requests Microsoft and Discord to release information linked to Discord accounts and servers believed to be behind the gameplay leaks including “CYBERLEEK,” an account that seemingly posted the gameplay leaks on Discord and X (X suspended the account).
The subpoena against Microsoft cites a Github website on which the leaks were posted and have since been removed from, though the site still links to a Telegram channel titled “Cyberleek Research,” where the leaks can supposedly be viewed.
Take-Two is asking for account IDs, registration emails, IP addresses, phone numbers, and linked accounts and content related to “Grand Theft Auto” from a OneDrive account.
The leaks from this week appeared to show gameplay of one of the video game’s main characters driving, playing basketball, flying a plane and brawling.
Take-Two has not responded to Forbes’ request for comment or published a statement on the supposed leaks, the legitimacy of which appears more likely following the subpoenas.
Forbes has reached out to Microsoft and Discord for comment.
What To Watch For
The subpoenas request the information be provided by the morning of Sept. 4.
Leakers Oppose Digital Releases And Pre-Orders
Alongside the leaks was an online manifesto that contained “Three Commandments,” one of which blasted Rockstar Games’ decision to release “Grand Theft Auto VI” without any physical discs. The video game will be available digitally through online marketplaces and physical copies of the game that contain a download code. “No consumer shall pay for a game through digital storefronts before release and independent review,” the manifesto said. “Preorders were created because physical discs had manufacturing limits,” adding, “If publishers want revenue before launch, they can press discs. Print boxes. Put them on shelves.” Gamers have scrutinized the industry’s increasing shift from discs to downloads over concerns of permanent ownership, as digital titles can be removed from gaming platforms at any time.
Tangent
A U.S. Army unit in Georgia is offering a four-day pass to play “Grand Theft Auto VI” for troops who reenlist for a minimum of two years.
Key Background
“Grand Theft Auto VI” is the most anticipated video game of the year following two delays that pushed its launch well beyond its initial plan to release in fall 2025. Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick said in an earnings call this month the company recorded an “exceptional start” to pre-orders for “Grand Theft Auto VI,” noting more players pre-ordered the game’s $100 ultimate edition than the standard $80 version. The latest installment of the franchise is expected to generate record-breaking numbers after “Grand Theft Auto V” sold 230 million copies, becoming the second highest-selling video game of all time.
Further Reading
Army Unit’s GTA VI Vacation Offer Among ‘Routine’ Reenlistment Incentives, Spokesperson Says (Forbes)
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