Take-Two requests subpoenas over GTA VI gameplay leaks

Following several apparent video leaks of Grand Theft Auto VI, Take-Two Interactive requested to be able to subpoena Microsoft and Discord over content that “infringes copyrights” held for the game, Kotaku reports. In the requests, filed on Thursday, Take-Two says copyrighted material includes “audiovisual content, artwork, images, dialogue, or other creative elements” and it is looking to identify “alleged infringers at issue.” The requests give Microsoft and Discord until September 4th to produce the requested information.

The requests were approved on Friday. However, Discord marketing director Ryan Rigney said on Monday that the company “has not yet been served with a subpoena from Take Two.” On X, Xbox CTO Scott Van Vliet said Friday that “We are working closely with Take-Two and Rockstar Games to support efforts to protect creative works and intellectual property.”

The leaked clips have been watermarked by a person or group going by “CyberLeek,” and they have shown what appears to be GTA VI protagonist Jason Duval (one of two protagonists) doing various activities, including driving, flying an airplane, using a taser, and attacking somebody with a wrench. In one clip, the player spells “LEEK” by shooting holes in a wall.

Take-Two also filed requests to subpoena Google and X on Friday.

The leaks have popped up ahead of Rockstar’s big extended preview of the game that is set to debut on Netflix on August 27th. The full game is scheduled to launch on November 19th.

Update, August 21st: Added statement from Xbox’s CTO.

Update and Correction, August 24th: Revised the article to clarify that Take-Two requested the subpoenas, not that it issued them. Also added that Discord says it has not received a subpoena and that Take-Two has filed requests to subpoena Google and X.