GTA VI is among the most eagerly awaited games ever, yet Rockstar’s choice to forgo a physical edition has upset many fans. One such fan, a skilled hacker, managed to obtain gameplay footage and the complete map of the game, subsequently leaking this information. As reported by gaming creator NikTek on X, the hacker known as Cyberleek is said to have released two clips along with the entire Leonida map to express discontent with the publisher’s decision to offer only digital pre-orders. They have stated that they will continue to release leaks until the company publicly apologizes and pledges to improve their practices.
“No consumer should be required to pay for a game via digital storefronts prior to its release and independent evaluation. However, physical preorders for tangible media are still allowed. The concept of preorders was not designed with gamers in mind; rather, it originated due to the manufacturing limitations of physical discs. In the realm of digital distribution, there is no inventory to manage. There are no stock shortages. A digital copy cannot run out. Nevertheless, publishers have retained the preorder system while eliminating its sole advantage for consumers. Consequently, gamers are compelled to pay in advance and receive nothing in return except a countdown timer and a cosmetic skin,” stated Cyberleek on their website. “If publishers seek revenue before a game’s launch, they should produce physical discs, print boxes, and place them on store shelves. They should earn that revenue through tangible production.”
In addition to this, Cyberleek presents two further points in their manifesto: publishers should refrain from selling ‘fake’ single-player DLCs that merely unlock content already present in the base game, and any title that includes single-player content must always remain accessible, even after server support has ceased. These issues resonate with many gamers, particularly as numerous companies shift their focus towards digital games and subscription models, sidelining physical media and one-time purchases. A prominent example of this trend is Sony’s decision to reduce its physical media offerings. This decision has sparked outrage among gamers, many of whom express concerns that they no longer truly own the games they purchase. Regrettably, Rockstar is also adhering to this trend—while it is still possible to purchase GTA VI in physical form from retailers, these copies only provide a download code, lacking the physical game discs that can be inserted into consoles.
NikTek mentioned in a separate post on X that the leaked footage revealed various gameplay elements, such as basketball matches, vehicle configurations, and trunks that can be opened and closed. Additionally, there is a stamina meter and an honor system reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption 2. The map leak also provided insights into the five counties, along with the discovery of an extensive rail network and numerous small islands available for players to explore. Another content creator noted that these leaked details are over a year old; however, Rockstar has been consistently issuing DMCA takedown notices against posts showcasing this information, suggesting that these clips are likely authentic. Ultimately, the core gameplay has probably been finalized, and the developers have likely dedicated the past few months to polishing the game in preparation for its launch in November.