GTA 6 leak shows NPC recreating a viral 2021 prank in new gameplay footage
Another unauthorised glimpse of Grand Theft Auto VI has surfaced online, this time showing non-player characters performing a gag drawn from a real-world viral moment. The footage, which appears to have been captured from a development build, has spread across social media platforms, reigniting discussion about the game’s long-awaited release.
The leaked clip, first reported by Kotaku, depicts an NPC approaching a car and asking the driver, “Is there gas in the car?” — a direct reference to a 2021 prank video that circulated widely on TikTok. In the original prank, a person would knock on a stranger’s car window and ask the same question, often confusing or amusing the driver. The inclusion of this specific interaction in GTA VI suggests Rockstar Games is continuing its tradition of weaving contemporary internet culture into the fabric of its open world.
This is far from the first leak to hit Rockstar’s highly anticipated title. Since the game’s official announcement in February 2022, a series of unauthorised videos and screenshots have appeared online, most notably a massive September 2022 leak that exposed over 90 clips of early gameplay. That breach, which the developer described as “extremely disappointing”, led to the conviction of a teenager in the UK who had hacked into Rockstar’s internal systems. The latest leak, while smaller in scale, demonstrates that the company’s efforts to secure development materials have not been entirely successful.
What the leak reveals about the game
The new footage, while brief, offers a few details about the game’s world and mechanics. The NPC’s interaction appears to be part of a scripted event or a random encounter, a staple of the Grand Theft Auto series. The setting matches the previously confirmed Vice City-inspired location, with palm trees and pastel-coloured buildings visible in the background. The visual fidelity appears consistent with the high-definition style Rockstar has employed since GTA V, though the build shown is likely unfinished.
Observers have noted that the animation quality and dialogue delivery seem polished, suggesting that the game is in an advanced stage of development. However, without official confirmation from Rockstar, it is impossible to verify whether this footage represents a finalised feature or a test scenario that may be cut before release.
The ongoing security challenge
The recurrence of leaks raises questions about Rockstar’s internal security protocols. The September 2022 breach was particularly damaging, as it revealed not only gameplay but also source code and internal communications. Since then, the company has reportedly tightened access to development builds and increased monitoring of its network. Despite these measures, the emergence of new footage indicates that unauthorised material continues to circulate among private groups and forums before reaching public platforms.
Rockstar has not commented on the latest leak, and the company has historically remained silent on unauthorised disclosures. The developer’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, has been aggressive in issuing takedown notices for leaked content, but the speed at which such material spreads across the internet often outpaces legal action.
What comes next for GTA VI
Grand Theft Auto VI is in development for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC version reportedly planned for a later date. The game will mark the first mainline entry in the series since 2013’s GTA V, which has sold over 200 million copies and remains one of the best-selling entertainment products of all time. Rockstar has released only a single trailer for GTA VI, which debuted in December 2023 and confirmed the game’s setting and protagonists.
The trailer, which generated over 100 million views in its first 24 hours, set a record for a non-music video on YouTube. Since then, the company has maintained a near-total silence on the project, with no further official reveals or marketing materials. This vacuum has created a fertile environment for leaks, as fans and data miners sift through any available information.
For now, players will have to wait for Rockstar’s next official update, which could come later this year. Until then, the internet will likely continue to dissect every leaked frame, searching for clues about what may be the most anticipated video game of the decade.