GTA VI leaks: What's been leaked from new Grand Theft Auto video game and what we know so far
Major leaks from game makers whose main base is in Edinburgh
The upcoming release of GTA VI - one of the most eagerly anticipated video games of all time - has been hit by a series of alleged leaks, particularly in recent weeks.
After many years in the making, Grand Theft Auto VI is set for release in November, primarily developed by Rockstar North - whose main base is in Edinburgh, at the foot of Holyrood Road.
But the much-anticipated release of the game has been disrupted by a flurry of leaked scenes and alleged game footage that has flooded the internet in the last week or two.
While Rockstar has yet to comment publicly on the matter, its understood that parent company Take-Two Interactive has petitioned a US federal court, citing alleged copyright infringement.
What’s been leaked?
A small, cropped portion of the in-game world map, showing a location called Dalton Island. Another cropped portion of the map showing locations called Tequesta Retreat, Gloriana Key, and Catalan Key.
There was a leaked clip of protagonist Jason Duval throwing a basketball into a hoop in a mini-game, an alleged view of the entire in-game map, and a clip of Jason driving around for a little bit before beating up a truck driver.
There was also a leaked clip of Jason driving at night, stealing a security guard's taser, and using it on him. Jason then repeatedly kicks the guard while he is on the ground.
Another clip leaked online appears to show a healing drug called Zombix. A tool-tip indicates that Zombix's effects will weaken over time if the player uses it too much.
There is also a clip of Jason flying a plane over Vice City, with much of the game world visible below. At the end, whoever is playing the game in the clip shoots the word "LEEK" into a wall with bullets, suggesting the leaker has a playable build of the game.
Other leaks include a clip of Jason driving a high-end sports car around Vice City, and footage of Jason driving the sports car some more, before committing armed robbery.
There are also leaked clips of Jason exploring a nudist hangout, wandering around a strip club, and causing trouble at a gas station when he steals a gasoline truck and crashes.
In recent weeks, hacking group called Cyberleek has been busy sharing short gameplay clips of GTA VI, listed above.
On August 20, Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of GTA-maker Rockstar Games, filed subpoenas against Microsoft and Discord to try to unmask the leaker. Those filings specifically cited "stolen content," seemingly confirming that at least some of the Cyberleek videos are legitimate.
However, the long-awaited game, first announced in 2022 and originally set for release in November, 2025, has been plagued by other leaks, mostly screenshots, with online rumours that those leaks came from disgruntled staff at Rockstar.
Thirty-one Edinburgh-based employees were fired at the games giant last year. Union officials called the move ‘union busting’, whilst Rockstar said the workers had leaked confidential information. In November 2025, more than 200 staff at Rockstar North signed a letter urging senior management to reinstate the workers.
Why is GTA VI so highly anticipated?
Grand Theft Auto began in 1997 as a top-down 2D PC and PlayStation game developed by Scottish studio DMA Design - now Rockstar North, based in Edinburgh. Sequels followed in 1999 (the last 2-D version), 2001, 2004, 2008 and 2013. In all, 15 versions of the game have been produced including spin-offs.
Given that the latest instalment has now been 13 years in the making, the level of anticipation is now at an all time high, with GTA VI now widely expected to become the biggest selling video game of all time.
The GTA series has been hugely popular. The first few GTA games were already breaking sales records in a major way, but the fourth mainline entry, Vice City, took the series’ popularity to a whole new level, becoming the fastest-selling PlayStation 2 title ever, until its record was eclipsed two years later by the series’ own next instalment, San Andreas.
Four million Americans pre-ordered Vice City in 2002, and a million more bought it upon its release in its first weekend.
The franchise hit its commercial zenith in 2013, with the release of GTA V, which is widely considered to be the most financially successful single entertainment product ever.
According to a recent report by Statista, the GTA series has collectively sold more than 405 million copies of its titles.