Fez — Rockstar Games has finally addressed the wave of “Grand Theft Auto VI” gameplay leaks spreading online, describing the situation as “heartbreaking” for the team behind the game.

The developer released a public statement on Wednesday, August 26, after multiple unauthorized gameplay clips appeared across social media during the past week.

Rockstar https://x.com/RockstarGames/status/1960701920769180110"> said the leaked footage was not how it intended players to see “GTA VI” after years of development and anticipation.

The company also offered an unusually direct apology to fans, although technically it was apologizing for the long wait surrounding the game rather than for the leaks themselves.

“We are very sorry that everything has taken as long as it has,” Rockstar said, referring to finishing the game and sharing official gameplay.

It added a small but significant update in parentheses, saying development is “nearly there.”

A week of unwanted ‘GTA VI’ footage

The statement follows a series of leaks attributed to an individual or group using the name “CyberLeek.”

Unauthorized videos have shown portions of gameplay involving protagonist Jason Duval, vehicles, locations, and other elements of Rockstar’s version of Vice City and the wider state of Leonida.

Some of the footage appears to come from a relatively recent build of the game rather than the much older development material that leaked in 2022.

The situation has escalated beyond takedown requests.

Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar’s parent company, has issued subpoenas seeking information from Microsoft and Discord as it attempts to identify people connected to the leaks, The Verge reported.

Rockstar said the leaks may have already affected how some players experience the finished game because of potential spoilers.

It nevertheless asked fans to wait until the official release rather than experiencing more of “GTA VI” through unfinished or unauthorized footage.

Rockstar’s big reveal is still happening

Perhaps more importantly for fans, Rockstar is not changing tomorrow’s planned presentation.

“Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look” will premiere on Netflix on August 27 at 3 p.m. ET, which is 8 p.m. Morocco time.

Rockstar’s official YouTube channel and “GTA VI” website will then receive the presentation at 9 p.m. ET, or 2 a.m. Morocco time on August 28.

The company confirmed that the extended showcase remains on schedule despite the leaks.

“GTA VI” itself is still set for November 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S. Rockstar’s official game page continues to list that date.

After years of secrecy, delays, trailers, and now another major leak, Rockstar is finally approaching the point where players will see “GTA VI” on the company’s own terms.

For at least one more day, however, the internet has seen more of Vice City than Rockstar wanted it to.