Take-Two Subpoenas Microsoft, Discord Over GTA VI Leaks

Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, has launched an effort to identify the person or group responsible for recent “Grand Theft Auto VI” gameplay leaks, issuing subpoenas to Microsoft and Discord on Thursday for information tied to accounts and online communities believed to have distributed the material.

The subpoenas, first reported by Kotaku and filed in the Southern District of New York, seek records connected to Discord accounts and servers allegedly involved in spreading the leaked gameplay. One account identified in the filings is “CYBERLEEK,” which appeared to share footage on Discord and X before the account was suspended by X.

Take-Two’s subpoena to Microsoft also references a GitHub site where the leaked material had been posted before being removed. The site continues to direct users to a Telegram channel called “Cyberleek Research,” where the leaked footage is reportedly available.

The company is seeking information including account identification numbers, registration email addresses, IP addresses, phone numbers, linked accounts and content associated with “Grand Theft Auto” from a OneDrive account. The requests indicate that Take-Two is seeking information that could help establish who was responsible for distributing the material.

The leaked footage circulating this week appeared to show gameplay involving one of the title’s principal characters. Scenes reportedly included driving, playing basketball, piloting an aircraft and engaging in fights.

Take-Two has not publicly commented on the alleged leaks or responded to requests for comment. However, the legal action adds weight to reports that the material may be connected to the highly anticipated game.

The subpoenas require Microsoft and Discord to provide the requested information by the morning of Sept. 4.

The leaks were accompanied by an online manifesto containing what it called “Three Commandments,” including criticism of Rockstar Games’ approach to releasing “Grand Theft Auto VI.” One section objected to the game being distributed without traditional physical discs and criticized consumers paying for games through digital storefronts before launch and independent reviews. The manifesto argued that publishers seeking pre-launch revenue could instead manufacture physical discs, print boxes and place them on store shelves.

The debate reflects broader concerns among gamers about the industry’s move away from physical media toward digital purchases. Critics of digital-only distribution have raised concerns about long-term ownership because digital games can potentially be removed from online platforms.

Separately, a U.S. Army unit in Georgia is offering reenlisting troops a four-day pass to play “Grand Theft Auto VI” if they commit to serving for at least two more years.

“Grand Theft Auto VI” remains one of the most anticipated video games of the year after two delays pushed its release significantly beyond its original fall 2025 target. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said during an earnings call this month that pre-orders had gotten off to an “exceptional start,” with more customers choosing the $100 ultimate edition than the standard $80 version.

Expectations for the latest entry are high following the enormous commercial success of “Grand Theft Auto V,” which has sold 230 million copies and ranks as the second highest-selling video game of all time.