Rockstar Games has confirmed that it fired multiple employees across the UK, US, Canada, and India for leaking highly confidential information about the upcoming game Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6). The leaks, which occurred in 2023 and 2025, involved sharing details with influencers who posted them publicly on social media.
The leaked information offered fans an early glimpse of what could be one of the most ambitious open-world games ever. Rockstar said the dismissals were strictly due to violations of long-standing confidentiality policies, including sharing sensitive data on unsecured Discord servers containing non-employees, journalists, and rival developers.
One notable case involved a Lincoln, UK-based employee who was fired in April 2025 after a leak that coincided with a large online data dump in June 2025, now widely regarded as credible.
Leaked Features Highlight GTA 6’s Ambition
The leaks revealed a variety of features that suggest GTA 6 will expand significantly on previous games in the series:
- 700+ Enterable Interiors – Fully accessible shops, malls, and skyscrapers with working elevators, surpassing the limited interiors of GTA 5.
- Weight Gain and Loss System – Protagonists Jason and Lucia visibly gain or lose weight based on diet and exercise.
- 6-Star Wanted Level Returns – The maximum wanted level now includes full military assaults with tanks and jets.
- Dynamic Character Relationships – A “relationship bar” tracks choices affecting Jason and Lucia’s bond.
- Largest Vice City Yet – A dense, neon-lit city with swamps, rural areas, and islands, bigger than Los Santos.
- Seamless Character Switching – Swap between protagonists mid-mission, more smoothly than in GTA 5.
- Weapon-Aware NPCs – Pedestrians react realistically to threats.
- Underwater Exploration – Players can dive for secrets and missions in shark-infested waters.
- Improved Driving and Police AI – Cops now use coordinated tactics, including roadblocks and helicopter pursuits.
- Limited Weapon Carry – Extra weapons must be stored in vehicles, adding strategic depth.
These features align with earlier leaks from 2022 and recent online posts, strengthening their credibility.
Why GTA 6’s Release Has Been Delayed
GTA 6, now scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, has been in development since 2018, with full production starting in 2020. It is expected to cost over $1 billion and is being built for the latest consoles using an updated RAGE engine. Key factors behind the delay include:
- Scale – The largest map in the series, with more interiors and denser urban areas.
- AI and Simulation – NPCs with memory, routines, and dynamic reactions inspired by Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Reboots and Rewrites – Significant story overhauls to meet modern standards.
- Weather and Stealth – Enhanced environmental effects, including floods and hurricanes.
- Social Media Integration – In-game systems for viral crimes and social sharing.
- Longevity – Designed for over a decade of post-launch content.
Delays from Fall 2025 to May 2026, and now November 2026, reflect Rockstar’s focus on quality and polish.
Fallout: Legal Drama and Fan Reactions
The firings have sparked legal controversy, with unions claiming the leaked chats were private union discussions. Rockstar maintains that sharing these channels with outsiders risked stock market exposure and company secrets. More than 30 staffers in Edinburgh were reportedly dismissed in a single round of action.
Fans, meanwhile, have embraced the leaks. Social media is filled with excitement over the confirmed features, although some analysts caution that the game is not yet fully polished, leaving open the possibility of further delays.
Rockstar’s firm response underscores the high stakes for GTA 6, which is shaping up to be a defining event in gaming history.
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