Take-Two Subpoenas Microsoft and Discord to Identify GTA VI Leaker
Take-Two Interactive has filed DMCA subpoenas in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, compelling Microsoft and Discord to provide identifying information for users linked to a series of unauthorized Grand Theft Auto VI leaks. The legal action, initiated on August 20, 2026, aims to identify those behind the “CyberLeek” persona responsible for distributing gameplay footage, map assets, and development content.
Legal Demands for User Data
According to court filings, Take-Two Interactive is seeking to unmask the individuals or groups responsible for the breach. The publisher has requested that Microsoft provide internal business and research records associated with the “CyberLeek” alias, alongside identification details for accounts that communicated within specific Discord servers starting June 1, 2026.
The requested data includes account IDs, registration emails, IP addresses, phone numbers, linked third-party accounts—such as Xbox or Google profiles—and device identifiers. Additionally, the subpoenas demand any GTA or Rockstar-related content stored within users’ OneDrive accounts. Discord has been ordered to provide server and account information linked to handles including “CYBERLEEK,” “CINEMATICROCKSTAR,” and “Surfer24k,” as well as data related to specific servers such as “Ødyssey.gg” and the “DarkViperAU” editors’ server.
Content and Motivations of the Leaks
The leaked material, which began surfacing on August 18, 2026, includes footage of the game’s co-protagonist, Jason, and map details of Vice City. Forensic analysis of the clips suggests the leaker possessed direct access to a functional development build of the game. One video specifically shows the word “leek” shot into a wall within the game engine, a detail cited by observers as evidence of active, real-time control over the software.
https://x.com/DarkViperAU/status/2090807149186470231
The persona behind the leaks has framed the activity as a protest against Take-Two’s business practices, specifically criticizing the publisher’s move toward a digital-only launch and the absence of physical discs. A manifesto published on a dedicated website claimed the leaks were an act of activism on behalf of the gaming community.
Cryptocurrency and Financial Links
Investigations into the leak have highlighted a financial component linked to the “$CYBERLEEK” cryptocurrency. Reports indicate that the group behind the leaks promoted this meme coin, using the coin’s market performance and holder count as a mechanism to “vote” on which new gameplay footage would be released next. Critics and industry observers have noted that the group appears to hold a significant portion of the coin’s supply, suggesting the leak served as a marketing tool to drive up the value of their own holdings.
Industry and Community Impact
The mention of the “DarkViperAU” editors’ server in the court documents prompted a public response from Matthew Judge, known as DarkViperAU. Judge stated on X that he had no involvement in the leaks and expressed confusion over his name appearing in the legal filings, noting that Rockstar Games had not contacted him directly regarding the matter.
Both Microsoft and Discord have until September 4, 2026, to comply with the court-ordered requests. Take-Two Interactive has stated in its filings that the information will be used exclusively to protect its intellectual property rights and address the copyright infringement. Rockstar Games has not issued a public statement regarding the breach or the ongoing legal proceedings.