Dozens of images and videos from a developmental build of Grand Theft Auto 6 leaked onto the internet in late 2022. Rockstar's response coupled with the inherent nature of game development, especially for an AAA studio, will more than likely result in a finished product unrecognizable from what was leaked. Although some fans tore into Rockstar for the unsanctioned teaser of Grand Theft Auto 6, citing less-than-stellar graphics and unpolished gameplay, their anger could prove unfounded.

Years since the launch of Red Dead Redemption 2, the studio's millions of fans yearn to learn more about its next epic release. While it has confirmed the development of GTA 6, nearly everything gamers know about the upcoming title comes by way of leaks and rumors, which for most studios would represent a significant challenge in terms of controlling the narrative ahead of when the game is ready to be legitimately revealed. For Rockstar, its standard of excellence speaks for itself, and while the leak was disappointing for the studio, it is more than capable of overcoming that adversity.

RELATED: The Long Wait for GTA 6 Could Give Classic Characters a Great Opportunity

The GTA 6 Leak and its Aftermath

Grand Theft Auto 5 screenshot

Shortly after the September 2022 leaks, Rockstar confirmed that it had been hacked, and the material posted online was legitimate. While every shred of information unearthed by the leak should be taken with a grain of salt, there are some assumptions fans can make about the installment thus far. These include GTA 6 taking place in Vice City, featuring the unparalleled realism of a beefed-up RAGE engine, and potentially centering around the franchise's first female main protagonist.

The early build shown in the leaked videos was in understandably rough shape, but as the studio pushes forward with the development of the game, it is safe to assume that fans will be in for a treat. In the aftermath of the leaks, Rockstar announced an internal delay on the impending release date and reveal of GTA 6. Five years since the launch of Red Dead Redemption 2, some speculate it could be another few years before GTA 6 sees daylight.

Most of the criticism surrounding what was shown in the leaks centered around a lack of fidelity, which is an absurd point of contention for a game that is still in its early stages of development. There is little doubt that when GTA 6 releases, it will stand on the cutting edge of graphics in the medium.

Rockstar Thrives on Surpassing Expectations

gta 6 leaker wants to negotiate a deal with rockstar

A more recent insider rumor for GTA 6 showed off the depths of realism attainable with Rockstar's updated RAGE Engine. Water simulation physics and advances in AI all point toward the game representing the new standard for immersion and realism in gaming. Those who form a lasting opinion on GTA 6 based on the September 2022 leaks may be absolutely shocked by the finished product.

The nature of game design can be mercurial, and with the internal delay Rockstar prompted in response to the leak, it is possible that almost nothing that was shown off will make it to the final version of the game. Alpha builds of games are a great benefit in workflow prioritization for big teams and debugging, but are rarely made with showcasing in mind, which makes any and all critiques based on the leaked footage categorically unfair.

Any opinions drawn from leaked information will more than likely age poorly, and Rockstar will surely relish the opportunity to exceed expectations. Only time will tell for sure, but betting against Rockstar to deliver the goods based on a few low-resolution videos from an outdated build of an unreleased game is just begging to be proven wrong.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently in development.

MORE: GTA 6's Release Could Run Into Issues on One Platform