‘Well, that sucks’: Rockstar Games artist expresses frustration over Grand Theft Auto VI trailer leak

The artist behind the most anticipated video game has aired his frustration on social media after the trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6 was leaked.

No one could have been more upset than Rockstar Games lead VFX artist Lloyd Knott over the most anticipated video game trailer being leaked online.

With fans eagerly awaiting the global unveiling of the first new Grand Theft Auto game in 12 years, the trailer was unceremoniously uploaded after it was leaked.

The incident unfolded as Rockstar Games, creators of the iconic GTA series, meticulously planned the official unveiling of the GTA 6 trailer, building up anticipation among the gaming community for the latest instalment.

However, the leak prompted an unplanned release a day earlier than scheduled, leaving Rockstar employees and fans alike grappling with the unintended outcome.

In what appeared to be an unscripted moment, Mr Knott posted a concise yet candid reaction, saying, “Well, that f**king sucks.”

The unexpected post has since been deleted, and Mr Knott has taken his account down.

‘Well, that f**king sucks,’ said Rockstar Games lead VFX artist Lloyd Knott over the most anticipated video game trailer being leaked online. Picture: AFP

Mr Knott wasn’t the only one at Rockstar voicing frustration over the leak.

Senior designer Phil Beveridge remarked, “It would have been nice to do this with everyone at the same time.”

Similarly, Gameplay designer Javier Altman expressed eagerness about witnessing the trailer for the first time alongside teammates and colleagues, saying: “I feel like we have earned this moment.”

Other statements like, “sad that it came out this way, but couldn’t be more excited to be working on an amazing project with amazing people” and “Shame it had to be released like this, but so excited to finally get to show off what we’ve been cooking” mirrored the varied emotions within the development team.

Nearly everyone at Rockstar Games has subsequently removed their posts complaining about the leak. Picture: AFP

While details surrounding the leak remain unclear, the unfiltered response resonated with the disappointment the many developers and designers involved in the production of GTA 6 felt.

Fortunately, the gaming community rallied behind the developers, offering words of support and encouragement on their social media posts.

Fans acknowledged the hard work and dedication put into the project, reassuring the developers that the leak did not diminish the work showcased in the trailer with comments like “What you all have created so far looks amazing though!”

Despite the leak, the gaming community rallied behind the developers, offering words of support and encouragement on their social media posts. Picture: AFP

In the case of previous GTA 6 leaks, individuals from the video game industry outside Rockstar Games shared insights into the challenges faced by development teams.

Joshua Stein, Social Media Manager at Xbox, highlighted that leaks not only undermine carefully planned marketing strategies but also disrupt the personal lives of developers.

Those who were working long hours to bring this experience to fans have to address the fallout of the leak.

“There’s going to be a lot of people missing time with family, friends, loved ones tonight because they have to work late hours to accommodate for a leak,” Stein wrote.

Rockstar Games has not officially commented on Knott’s reaction or the circumstances surrounding the leak.