Rockstar Says GTA 6 Developer Installed Privacy Films After Drones Tried to Photograph Through Office Windows

Rockstar Games has revealed the extraordinary security measures it has implemented to protect Grand Theft Auto 6 from leaks, including installing privacy films on office buildings after drones were used to photograph through windows. The disclosure emerged during an ongoing employment tribunal in Glasgow involving 31 former Rockstar employees in the UK.

The hearing concerns allegations from the Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB), which claims the employees were unlawfully dismissed because of union activity. Rockstar strongly rejects those allegations and maintains that the workers were fired for allegedly sharing confidential GTA 6 information through Discord.

Rockstar Says GTA 6 Requires Bank-Level Security

In its opening submission to the tribunal, Rockstar described the security surrounding GTA 6 as exceptionally strict. The developer compared protecting the game’s confidential information to Apple protecting the iPhone and Coca-Cola safeguarding its secret formula, saying it operates with

“the security posture of a Wall Street bank.”

Rockstar said employees face extensive restrictions designed to prevent sensitive information from leaving its studios. Visitors must sign non-disclosure agreements, contractors are escorted inside offices, remote work is heavily restricted, and external storage devices such as USB drives are prohibited.

Personal phones, tablets and laptops are also prevented from connecting to Rockstar’s internal systems, while employees are instructed not to discuss confidential information even with family members. The company said even apparently harmless photographs of an employee’s desk could potentially expose sensitive development details.

The measures reportedly extend beyond conventional workplace security. Rockstar said it was forced to install privacy films on its buildings after drones were used in attempts to photograph through office windows.

The developer also employs a dedicated security team consisting of five investigators and a director to investigate potential information leaks. According to Rockstar, employees regularly face phishing and social engineering attempts intended to obtain passwords or other credentials.

The company’s concerns stem partly from previous GTA 6 breaches. In 2022, hackers obtained access to an employee’s computer through phishing and subsequently leaked unfinished GTA 6 development footage from Rockstar’s internal communications.

Rockstar also pointed to the potential financial consequences of leaks. The company said confidential information concerning GTA 6’s development, launch plans and features could generate major media coverage and potentially affect the value of parent company Take-Two Interactive.

The employment tribunal is scheduled to continue until October 16, with the dispute taking place shortly before GTA 6’s planned November 19, 2026 release. Rockstar has maintained that the dismissed workers were terminated for gross misconduct related to confidential information rather than union activity.

A Rockstar spokesperson told IGN that the company’s position “has been clear and consistent” and that it intends to “defend them vigorously before the tribunal.” The case therefore remains unresolved, with the tribunal expected to determine whether the dismissals were lawful.