Imprisoned hacker hints GTA 6 source code could leak, threatening release date delay

The infamous hacker, Arion Kurtaj, managed to obtain a smartphone in prison. A conversation soon surfaced in which he discussed stolen GTA 6 source code. Kurtaj says that the code is “definitely somewhere” and seems surprised that it hasn’t leaked. Now, gamers worry that if the materials appear, it could prompt another GTA 6 release date delay.

Kurtaj may remain a danger to Rockstar

At 17 years old, Kurtaj infiltrated Rockstar Games' servers and downloaded dozens of video clips from an early GTA 6 build. He also suggested that he acquired the source code for the title. In December 2023, a UK court confined the autistic Kurtaj indefinitely to a hospital. Now, it seems that authorities have relocated him to a more conventional jail.

On social media, videotechuk posted a series of messages and a link to a cell block photo. An unnamed user explained to the inmate that the build in question is not yet public. Kurtaj wouldn’t comment further, but that hasn’t given gamers much assurance.

It’s not clear what happened to the source code, if it does in fact exist. The 2022 hack led players to see footage of Vice City and the debut of Lucia. Yet, a more damaging GTA 6 leak has not yet impacted the development of the Rockstar Games project.

Take-Two won't rest easy until GTA 6 ships

Videotechuk described several scenarios for the coming weeks and months. Kurtaj might be lying about the risk of the build's exposure. Take-Two may have already secured the code after investigating the security breach. Still, it’s possible that another individual has it and has been waiting for the right offer or time to share it.

Even in the worst-case scenario, the GTA 6 release date could avoid another delay. The game has likely changed since 2022, and any leaked build may be missing key elements. On the other hand, Rockstar would fear users exploiting the still-relevant code, breaching online servers, and raising a variety of security issues.

Also a concern, marketing plans set to start in the Summer could be thrown into chaos. If it’s up to the resourceful Kurtaj, the launch of the anticipated game won’t unfold smoothly as hoped.