GTA 6 blocks PS5 jailbreak and piracy on release date, requiring 14.10.00 firmware

Piracy supporters hoping to play an illegal copy of the next Rockstar title have a new obstacle. Datamining account PlayStation Game Size learned the GTA 6 release date build will require the latest console firmware. Sony’s 14.10.00.00 update has at least temporarily blocked a method used for a PS5 jailbreak.

What made Relapse unique

PlayStation Game Size found the stipulation that immediately raised suspicions. The Relapse exploit made news because, unlike alternatives, it worked on the July 13.60 console update. By attacking a browser vulnerability, hackers gained kernel-level access. They could then run homebrew apps and some game backups, though with compatibility issues.

The September 16th 14.00 firmware was the first system software to cause problems for Relapse. Sony then followed with the October 1st 14.10 patch, which introduced more security fixes. The company didn’t acknowledge it was targeting a specific exploit or PS5 jailbreak.

Rockstar Games is unlikely to comment on the latest piracy developments. Still, some followers find the timing of the datamine discovery curious. Certain PSN features depend on recent firmware, but single-player games don’t necessarily require the same updates. The GTA 6 release date also isn’t until November 19th, leading fans to conclude developers are taking preventive measures.

The digital difference

Making GTA 6 PS5 and Xbox versions digital-only benefits the studio. Publishers start printing discs often a month or more before launch. Physical media may be compatible with older firmware, while Xbox and PS Store downloads can be easily revised.

Despite the Relapse setback, pirates will try to outsmart Sony’s security team. It’s questionable whether the changes in the 14.10.00.00 files are a major obstacle. Notably, there have been other advancements with a hypervisor exploit. PlayStation may not be able to defend the console from a growing number of approaches.

Emulation has also progressed as a potential way to play a GTA 6 PS5 build on PCs. Even so, while GTA 5's performance in KytyPS5 has improved, its sequel poses stiffer technical challenges.