Social media erupted with excitement over what appeared to be leaked gameplay footage of GTA 6, but the clips turned out to be AI-generated. The creator of this viral content has since clarified the intention behind it, stating that it was meant as a “huge joke.” Fans of the franchise have been eagerly awaiting the next installment for over a decade, with the release date now pushed to November 19, 2026. This prolonged anticipation has led to heightened scrutiny of any new information, making the recent incident all the more significant.
On November 25, 2026, a series of clips showcasing what many believed to be gameplay from the upcoming title began circulating widely. The footage, shared by the account zapactugta6 on X (formerly Twitter), featured various scenes, including a particularly viral video of the female protagonist, Lucia, walking in the rain. Within hours, these videos garnered millions of views, fueling discussions among fans desperate for any glimpse of the long-awaited game.
As the clips gained traction, a Community Note was attached to the Lucia video, warning viewers that the footage may not be authentic. This prompted a wave of backlash as fans debated the legitimacy of the content. The controversy highlighted the community’s intense desire for information about GTA 6 and the fine line between reality and AI-generated content.
The creator of the videos has since spoken to IGN about the controversy, explaining that there was no malicious intent behind their actions. They stated, “I genuinely never expected a single video to generate such massive engagement and reach. It was a huge joke actually; I did it just to entertain the community. Sorry for the false hope lol.” The intention was to observe reactions and illustrate how easily AI can blur the lines of authenticity in 2025.
This incident occurs in the wake of one of the largest leaks in gaming history, which affected Rockstar back in 2022. Following that event, the company has been particularly cautious, releasing only two official trailers for GTA 6. As the gaming community continues to navigate the complexities of AI-generated content, the anticipation for genuine gameplay footage remains as strong as ever.
While Rockstar has not provided any updates on when fans might see authentic gameplay, the response to the viral clips highlights the challenges that come with a highly engaged audience and the evolving landscape of content creation.
