Rockstar Games has broken its silence after gameplay footage from Grand Theft Auto VI leaked online ahead of an extended reveal.
The studio, which has faced mounting pressure after its flagship title was targeted by a hacker or group identifying as Cyberleek, issued a lengthy statement on social media addressing the breach. Grand Theft Auto VI, the first new mainline entry in the series since 2013’s GTA V, is scheduled for release on November 19.
Cyberleek released unseen footage from the upcoming game and published a manifesto criticizing the gaming industry’s business practices. The group has been particularly upset that Rockstar does not plan to release GTA VI as a physical disc, opting instead for a digital-only product.
“Publishers sell licenses and call them purchases. They ship unfinished games and call them living services. They lock content on discs and call it DLC. They kill games and keep the money,” Cyberleek wrote in a released document. “Every year anti-consumerism tightens its grip, and every year gamers get less for what they pay.”
Another leaked video that surfaced showed the game’s male protagonist, Jason, carjacking a box Chevy-like vehicle and attempting to evade police. In the clip, the other main character, Lucia, makes a brief appearance in what appears to be a cutscene.
“It would be an understatement to say that having videos of Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay leak in this way has been heartbreaking for our team, and this is obviously not how we intended for you to see the game after all this time,” Rockstar wrote on social media. “We are very sorry that everything has taken as long as it has — from getting the game finished (nearly there!) to sharing more details and official gameplay, and providing the community with everything you want to know.”
The studio continued: “We are very excited for everyone to see the extended look tomorrow. It has taken longer than we wanted to get it ready, but as with everything we do, we know we need to exceed your expectations, and we are determined to deliver at the level you expect and deserve.”
Rockstar added that “while it is unfortunate that the intended game experience may now be impacted by some spoilers, we hope that everyone will wait a bit longer to experience the game for themselves on November 19.”
The note wrapped up with gratitude toward fans. “We want to thank everyone in the community who has reached out with messages of support this past week – your words have meant more to this team than you can imagine,” the studio shared. “Ultimately, we are making this game for you, and without you, we would not have the privilege of making games.”
In the viral moment that preceded this statement, Cyberleek had been systematically releasing unauthorized footage and documents related to GTA VI, building anticipation among some fans while drawing criticism from others for spoiling the carefully orchestrated marketing rollout. The leaks included not only gameplay clips but also what appeared to be map details, giving players an unauthorized early look at the game’s setting.
The statement promised additional first-looks and official details about the game in the coming months. Despite Rockstar’s efforts to control the narrative, the continued leaks have seemingly given fans an increasingly complete picture of the map and other unrevealed elements.
Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look premieres on Netflix on August 27.