Rockstar Uses Ads, Copyright Notices to Curb GTA 6 Leaks

Rockstar Games responded to a wave of unauthorized GTA 6 material online by running paid advertisements and issuing copyright takedown notices to remove leaked footage and development assets from major platforms.

After multiple uploads of unreleased GTA 6 content began circulating on video sites, file-hosting services and fan forums, Rockstar increased spending on search and social advertising so official trailers and updates appeared above or alongside search results and social feeds where leaked clips were showing up. At the same time, the company’s legal team filed copyright infringement notices with hosting services and social platforms requesting removal of videos, images and files that contained proprietary game material.

Platform transparency records and user reports show that many posts were removed or restricted following those notices. Copyright takedown procedures typically involve review by the hosting platform and, where the platform finds the claim valid, removal of the content or action against the account. In several instances, users who shared leaked clips had posts taken down or accounts suspended pending further review.

The paid ads ran on the same services and in search results tied to queries about the leaked material. Those placements directed traffic to Rockstar’s verified channels and official trailers rather than to third-party uploads.

Grand Theft Auto is one of the most watched video game franchises, and details about upcoming entries draw heavy attention. Leaks of internal builds, gameplay clips or development assets can spread quickly, prompting publishers to pursue legal measures and adjust marketing to protect trade secrets and scheduled release plans. Rockstar has previously engaged legal channels to address leaks.

Rockstar did not publish a public statement outlining the scope of the takedowns or the scale of the advertising campaign. Platform transparency reports and user accounts provide the primary public record of what was removed and where the ads ran. The combined legal notices and advertising reduced the immediate visibility of many leaked items while increasing the reach of official content in search and social feeds.