Take-Two files second subpoena against Discord to identify GTA 6 leaker Cyberleek
Take-Two Interactive has issued a second subpoena against Discord in its ongoing legal battle to identify the individual or group behind the Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks, narrowing its focus to two specific users. The move comes after a chaotic week in which a mysterious entity known as Cyberleek uploaded full gameplay clips of the highly anticipated title, apparently possessing a playable build of the game.
The new subpoena was filed last Friday, according to a report from TorrentFreak cited by VGC. Unlike previous subpoenas against Discord, Microsoft, and YouTube, the details of this latest filing are almost entirely redacted, with the company arguing that public disclosure could "compromise" the ongoing investigation and "tip off the alleged infringers". In its filing, Take-Two describes the investigation as "rapidly evolving and ongoing", and notes that this subpoena seeks different information than the first one.
The subpoena now targets two Discord users: one new, and one previously identified. It is unclear whether the earlier subpoena, which requested information on a Discord server owned by YouTuber DarkViperAU, remains part of the investigation's scope. Meanwhile, the subpoena against YouTube has been dropped, meaning that platform is no longer relevant to the case.
The leaks themselves occurred last Thursday, which was supposed to mark the first proper public look at Grand Theft Auto 6's gameplay. Rockstar Games had planned to unveil official footage through Netflix and YouTube, but those plans were thwarted when Cyberleek began uploading full gameplay clips online. The leaker appeared to have direct access to a playable build of the game, despite the extensive security measures Take-Two and Rockstar have taken to keep the title under wraps.
Cyberleek has since gone dark, and little is known about the entity. During the brief period of activity, the leaker was constantly requesting donations through their own cryptocurrency coin, only to disappear shortly before Rockstar's official reveal. It remains unclear whether Cyberleek was playing the game themselves or acting on behalf of someone who was.
The investigation now hinges on whether Discord will comply with the new subpoena, and to what extent. Previous reports suggested that Discord had yet to hand over any information to Take-Two, but that could change as the investigation progresses. Take-Two will likely want answers soon, ideally before Grand Theft Auto 6 launches on November 19.
The legal battle has been marked by a series of aggressive moves from Take-Two, which has sought to protect one of the most anticipated video game releases in recent years. Grand Theft Auto 6, developed and published by Rockstar Games, is an action-adventure title running on the Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE). It is expected to receive an ESRB rating of Mature 17+, though this has not been confirmed.
As the investigation continues, the gaming community watches closely. The leaks have already generated significant buzz, but the legal fallout could have lasting implications for how studios protect their intellectual property in the lead-up to major releases. For now, the identity of Cyberleek remains a mystery, and Take-Two's pursuit of the leaker shows no signs of slowing down.