Take-Two (TTWO) Shares Tumble $2.8B Following Grand Theft Auto 6 Gameplay Breach

Key Points

• Take-Two Interactive shares plummeted from approximately $248 to the low $230s, erasing around $2.8 billion in market value before rebounding to $240.15
• Unauthorized GTA 6 gameplay footage posted by “CyberLeek” indicates potential access to an executable version of the unreleased title
• The gaming publisher has issued DMCA subpoenas targeting Microsoft and Discord to uncover the identity of those responsible
• Malicious software has been discovered in fraudulent GTA 6 downloads appearing on illegal download platforms
• Rockstar Games plans an official GTA 6 showcase via Netflix on August 27 at 3 p.m. ET

Shares of Take-Two Interactive experienced a significant decline this week following the emergence of unauthorized Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay videos online, sparking concerns that an executable version of the highly anticipated game may have been compromised prior to its scheduled November 19 release date.

The stock was hovering near $248.13 before the unauthorized material started spreading on August 18. Shares subsequently dropped into the low $230 range before partially recovering to $240.15, representing an unrecovered loss of roughly $1.5 billion from the initial $2.8 billion market capitalization decline.

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., TTWO

The unauthorized content appears under the username “CyberLeek” and features several clips displaying previously unreleased gameplay sequences. A particularly notable clip depicts the character Jason firing bullets to create the word “LEEK” on a surface, which Forbes analysts interpret as evidence of real-time game control rather than recycled development footage.

Additional unauthorized materials purportedly include overhead perspectives of Vice City and various gameplay scenarios. Neither Rockstar Games nor Take-Two Interactive have issued public statements regarding the breach’s origin or complete extent.

The security incident also involves cryptocurrency promotion. Marketing materials accompanying certain leaked content have promoted a digital token, suggesting a monetary incentive behind the unauthorized disclosures.

Legal Action Targets Microsoft and Discord Platforms

Take-Two Interactive submitted subpoena applications to the Southern District of New York on August 20. The publisher is requiring Microsoft and Discord to surrender documentation associated with accounts involved in distributing the unauthorized footage.

Microsoft has received instructions to deliver comprehensive records connected to the “cyberleek” identity by September 4, encompassing registration email addresses, IP data, telephone numbers, associated accounts, and any Grand Theft Auto-related files housed in OneDrive storage.

Discord faces identical requirements and must furnish information regarding accounts connected to multiple servers, including those associated with usernames such as “CYBERLEEK,” “CINEMATICROCKSTAR,” and “Surfer24k.” The legal document also references servers connected to prominent GTA 5 content creator Matthew “Matt” Judge, recognized online as DarkViperAU.

Judge responded to the development on X, clarifying he possesses no information about the unauthorized disclosures and expressed bewilderment at his mention in the subpoena. Rockstar Games has not reached out to him personally.

Security Threats for Gaming Community

A pressing danger has surfaced for the gaming community. Counterfeit GTA 6 downloads purporting to offer the leaked version are proliferating on unauthorized download sites, with confirmed instances of files harboring malicious code. No legitimate playable version exists in public circulation.

Historical Perspective on Previous Breaches

The 2022 Grand Theft Auto 6 security incident, which resulted in approximately 90 development clips being leaked online, ultimately did not derail the project’s progress. Take-Two proceeded with development and has subsequently revealed a standard retail price of $79.99 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S platforms.

Take-Two has scheduled an authorized promotional event. A Rockstar Games GTA 6 showcase will premiere on Netflix at 3 p.m. ET on August 27, with subsequent distribution through Rockstar’s proprietary platforms.