Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, filed subpoenas on August 20 and 21 requiring Microsoft and Discord to provide information aimed at identifying sources behind recent Grand Theft Auto VI leaks [1, 2, 3]. Federal judges in New York approved the subpoenas, which seek data on accounts suspected of leaking copyrighted GTA VI footage, including a pseudonymous user known as "CyberLeek" [1, 3].
CyberLeek began releasing more than 10 GTA VI gameplay videos online starting August 18. The videos showed scenes of supercar chases, armed robberies, strip clubs, and the full game map, triggering concern within Rockstar Games [4, 5, 2, 6, 7]. CyberLeek operated a crypto-related meme coin called $CYBERLEEK, possibly to fund or incentivize further leaks [4, 2].
On August 22, CyberLeek’s website and Telegram channel went offline, displaying copyright infringement notices [4, 5]. Take-Two had issued DMCA takedown notices to GitHub on August 19, leading to repository shutdowns linked to the leaked content [2].
Take-Two's subpoenas request Microsoft to provide all internal records related to CyberLeek, including investigations into the leak [2, 3]. Discord was subpoenaed for identifying information on accounts and servers connected to CyberLeek, including some linked to GTA content creators like DarkViperAU [2, 3]. Xbox Chief Technical Officer Scott Van Vliet said, "We are working closely with Take-Two and Rockstar Games to support efforts to protect creative works and intellectual property" [2].
The leaks have caused internal frustration at Rockstar Games, which tightened studio security following earlier 2024 leaks [5, 6]. Yet, former Rockstar technical director Obbe Vermeij called the leaks a "nothing burger" unlikely to cause long-term damage, stating, "The current leaks are far less consequential than HC was" referring to past controversies [6, 7]. Vermeij also noted most players "don't spend their time on the internet looking for video snippets" and won't be significantly spoiled by the leaks [7].
Take-Two alleges the leaked material includes copyrighted audiovisual content, artwork, images, and dialogue from the upcoming game [1, 3]. The official GTA VI gameplay reveal will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix on August 27, and the game remains on track for worldwide release on November 19, 2026 [1, 4, 5].
