On September 18, 2022, one of the best-kept secrets in recent video game history was revealed: videos and images of ‘GTA VI’, which is likely to be the game that breaks the internet (at least during the month of its release). At that time, it was a cataclysm for Rockstar, as they were not yet prepared to showcase it. Now, almost a year later, we know what happened next. And it won’t please those seeking justice at any cost.
They got away with it
During the week following the release of the videos online, the mysterious hacker began to blackmail Rockstar, threatening to disclose more secrets of ‘GTA VI’, including its source code. However, when the police managed to identify and apprehend the individual, they discovered the truth: Arion Kurtaj was just a 17-year-old kid from London with exceptional computer skills and a member of the hacking group Lapsus$. In fact, shortly before the hack on the video game studio, he had targeted Uber and Revolut. It didn’t work out as an extracurricular activity.
During this time, Kurtaj has reached adulthood and is now facing trial for his actions. However, fate has taken another twist: Kurtaj has been advised by psychiatrists, who are skeptical about his ability to withstand the trial. This has been frustrating for the victims, as Kurtaj has been charged with a total of twelve offenses that came to light later, including the hacking of NVIDIA and BT.
And what does all this mean? Well, it means that Arion Kurtaj cannot be declared guilty or not guilty in a traditional sense. Instead, a jury can only determine whether he committed the acts or not. No further details are known regarding why he is considered unfit for trial. In the UK, this typically refers to individuals with conditions such as schizophrenia, learning difficulties, or a more serious matter, like not understanding the concept of a jury.
For now, ‘GTA VI’ has overcome the crisis, and most people understood that the leak wasn’t of the finished game but rather an early and primitive version. Despite this, Rockstar is unwilling to take any risks by releasing a trailer or announcing a release date. Will the game arrive before a final decision is made regarding the hacker’s trial? Who knows.
