GTA San Andreas has been leaked

[Jive3D]

Following suit in what would only make sense, GTA San Andreas has made it's way to seedy areas of the internet. As you all know this happened last week with Halo 2. These are probably 2 of the 4 most anticipated games of the season (Halo 2, GTA SA, Metroid Prime 2 & MGS 3). I'm sure that this will make news sites (though probably not of the Halo 2 caliber), not that rockstar or gta need more press than they have already received in the past, but I'm sure that this will remind everyone that it's coming out next week and the news should help to stimulate sales.

[Cauterize]

wheres the source u got this info from?

[YoshiM]

This is going too far. Not the fact that it's pirated (it's gonna happen eventually anyway) but the fact that pirates have the games in their claws BEFORE the freakin' game gets released. There are two things that come to mind about this whole situation:

1) Some punk that works at these companies just happened to land their hands on a decent build and sneaks it out to give to all on the web. Losing their job, getting arrested and paying huge fines doesn't seem to phase these people, it's all about being a digital Robin Hood. It has me question the security these places have.

or, something that is more believable even though it's a conspiracy theory:

2) The developers "leak" the game out. Nothing sparks attention like negative press and what better way than to jump on the broadband pirate bandwagon along with the record companies. Sure you may lose some possible sales depending on how good the leaked build was but it's going to drum up support and sales, especially if there's a threat of a delayed release. People will want the real deal more.

Thoughts?

[Jive3D]

This is going too far. Not the fact that it's pirated (it's gonna happen eventually anyway) but the fact that pirates have the games in their claws BEFORE the freakin' game gets released. There are two things that come to mind about this whole situation:

1) Some punk that works at these companies just happened to land their hands on a decent build and sneaks it out to give to all on the web. Losing their job, getting arrested and paying huge fines doesn't seem to phase these people, it's all about being a digital Robin Hood. It has me question the security these places have.

or, something that is more believable even though it's a conspiracy theory:

2) The developers "leak" the game out. Nothing sparks attention like negative press and what better way than to jump on the broadband pirate bandwagon along with the record companies. Sure you may lose some possible sales depending on how good the leaked build was but it's going to drum up support and sales, especially if there's a threat of a delayed release. People will want the real deal more.

Thoughts?

I like the second theory better. I don't think that Rockstar would put an extremely valuable asset like a new GTA game into the possible hands of someone internally (some punk) who works there, who could potentially leak it. This thing should be running on systems and in rooms that do not have internet connections to keep this from happening. HOWEVER - and this is something that just occured to me - maybe some of these rips are coming from evaluation copies that are sent to the ESRB? This could be wrong b/c I know that the ESRB makes a good PORTION of it's ratings based on recordings of gameplay footage and not by playing every game - but it's a possibility.

As for an internal deliberate leak - that's an interesting idea. This would make sense for HALO 2. The version that was leaked was all French. But it was still Halo 2, enough for the fans to DL and try - BUT, I feel that the majority demographic of Xbox players are "all americans" who want the US version and dont want to deal with foreign "stuff". So, leaking the french version is enough to wet the pallet, but not enough to keep them from buying it - then again, that's like microsoft endorsing modded xbox units.

In the case of GTA SA - the released version is the US version, appears to be retail, but I can't confirm this - Rockstar is a progressive company and this is an interesting tactic, but that company & that game get enough press as it is, why would they shoot themselves in the foot in order to drum up a little extra interest? I like this theory of internal leak, but I can't think of a good enough motive, especially since it's the US release.

[Flack]

Actually since it's this close to release date, usually it's choice "C", someone from the duplication plant got a copy early and released it.

[dethink]

along with contesting the results of presidential elections, i feel this is going to become the rule and not the exception from here on out.

[kevincure]

On a related note, a lot of people think Sony deliberately looked the other way during the PS1 era while massive game piracy went on in E. Europe, Asia and Latin America. The hope was that those consumers would, as their nation became richer, become fans of Sony brands; Sony figured most wouldn't be able to afford a 60-70$US title.

[Cauterize]

On a related note, a lot of people think Sony deliberately looked the other way during the PS1 era while massive game piracy went on in E. Europe, Asia and Latin America. The hope was that those consumers would, as their nation became richer, become fans of Sony brands; Sony figured most wouldn't be able to afford a 60-70$US title.

either way theyve become one of the biggest gaming names!

[SegaAges]

hehe, this happens all the time, it is just now getting noticed with very big name games.

back when i was big into the dc pirating scene, i was always getting full, retail pirated copies early. i remember having unreal tournament for dc about 2 weeks before it was released.

i was never really into the ps1 scene, but i am sure that it happened over there as well. seriously, i was always getting early copies of dc games before their release dates.

now that gta is a market that everybody and their mother knows about, and now that halo 2 has a pretty big fanbase, it is now just getting noticed.

intentional leak, no way. even with a french version of halo, there will still be people that pirate the game and never buy it just because they already own it. later on down the road, they may pirate the north american version, but they still won't buy it. trust me, this happens all the time, and it is just now getting big publicity.

EDIT: for online games, they should just do what the dc did for pso, key numbers. i was big into the dc pirating scene, and never once came across a key generator for pso for dc. i know gta:sa isn't online, but halo 2 is

[Jive3D]

hehe, this happens all the time, it is just now getting noticed with very big name games.

back when i was big into the dc pirating scene, i was always getting full, retail pirated copies early. i remember having unreal tournament for dc about 2 weeks before it was released.

i was never really into the ps1 scene, but i am sure that it happened over there as well. seriously, i was always getting early copies of dc games before their release dates.

now that gta is a market that everybody and their mother knows about, and now that halo 2 has a pretty big fanbase, it is now just getting noticed.

intentional leak, no way. even with a french version of halo, there will still be people that pirate the game and never buy it just because they already own it. later on down the road, they may pirate the north american version, but they still won't buy it. trust me, this happens all the time, and it is just now getting big publicity.

The dreamcast scene was amazing. I got Half Life before it got to retail. Wait a sec, it never made it to retail :/

The PS1 scene was a little different, the release groups were nowhere near as organized as it is now. The PS2 and Xbox scene is getting out of hand, not to mention the GBA scene. It's amazing how much the general public is unaware of other means of aquiring games. Thank god it's not THAT widespread or else the industry would be dead. I do my part to support it - BUY GAMES! (& pre order your DS :))

[kai123]

This is nothing new like SegaAges said. It is just that the big name games are getting all the press about it. It didnt' seem to be as big a deal during the last generation of systems but now the gaming press is all over any leak. They make it seem like it is the downfall of the game industry when this type of thing has always been around and always will be.

[orrimarrko]

It's all kind of sad, but I'll still be buying th real thing.

There's several reasons for this, but foremost, I would rather support companies who put out good products.

Quite frankly, Rockstar doesn't need any additional publicity to sell this game.

The fact that it arrives two weeks before Halo 2 shows you that the marketing and release date were carefully thought out.

I definitely agree that it's "option C" - someone got a copy at the duplication center.

[Promophile]

I will go with D) One of the copies they sent to gamespot or another review site was copied.

[Brian_Provinciano]

As huge a fan as I am of the GTA series, I've already preordered it and paid in full. Even if I hadn't preordered, I still would be purchasing it even with the leak being out there. I can wait six days! No need to download it... I'm still having so much fun with Midnight Club 2! I went back to playing Vice City after playing MC2 for a while, and it's driving just isn't as good! I sure hope (and am sure it will be) that San Andreas has the driving and speed of MC2!

[buttasuperb]

I already have SF Anniversary for xbox, which is great since I can practice for xbox live until it gets released here hopefully in Febuary.

OMFG LEAKED.

[suppafly]

Thanks for the tip! LOL

[Brian_Provinciano]

I myself don't really think this will hinder sales since most people with a PS2 equipped to play pirated games would pirate it whether it's dumped early or not. Most people who download this early leak wouldn't be buying it anyway. I can't see many people not buying it purely because they could get it a few days earlier by downloading.

I can't wait 'til Tuesday the 26th!

[Half Japanese]

First I would like to say that "digital Robin Hood" is a great phrase. Though it's relevance is limited, I'd like to see it catch on.


This reminds me of a Bill Gates quote I read (in a local free weekly's article about mp3s) where he stated, about piracy of windows in china: 'I don't like the fact that they're not paying for it, but it does get them familiar with our name and product and ensure that at least a small percentage of them will be future customers.' I paraphrased that by the way.

[postulio]

all games get pirated. some earlier than others. i virtually stopped buying pc games, other than the ones i wanna play online. doom 3! rock on!!!!

both of these games being pirated early means nothing, those that have the means to play backups, modded their systems for that reason and will pirate the game regardless, sooner or later.

the reason for excessive coverage is the popularity of each game and this is hte aftermath of the big ass Half Life 2 code leak.

by the way, both games are great =]

[TRM]

The people which want the real game, will buy it regardless of whether they can download an early version from the Internet. Same for music, and anything else of similar nature. Some people just need to buy the "real"
thing...

[Neil Koch]

Article from Gamespot:

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas jacked
Less than a week before its release, the wildly anticipated crime game has itself been stolen and republished on the Internet.

Less than a week after a pirated version of Halo 2 began appearing on the Web, another of the year's most sought after games has been stolen. Ironically, it also happens to be a game titled after a larcenous act itself. That's right. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas has become the latest victim of piracy, with illegal copies of the game, its manual, and its cover appearing on various Web sites.

Late today, Rockstar issued a statement on this latest in a series of unfortunate events. "The proper authorities are investigating the theft and are continuing to investigate all possible leads to ensure there is no further dissemination of our creative content," read the statement. "Downloading, possession and distribution of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, including making the game available on the internet, is theft." Then came this warning from the company: "We take the theft of our intellectual property very seriously and we are and will continue to diligently and aggressively pursue this matter."

For those wishing to help track down the San Andreas thieves, Rockstar also offered the following advice: "If anyone finds information on websites with links to unauthorized downloads, information, scans or videos, please contact us at piracy@rockstargames.com."

Rockstar officials also emphasized the fact that the theft would not affect Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' release plans. The game is due in the US next Tuesday, October 26, and in Europe next Friday, October 29. However, it is already clear that with four of the year's top games--GTA: San Andreas, Halo 2, Doom 3, and Half-Life 2---being posted online before their official releases, piracy is becoming an increasingly common and serious problem for both gamers and the games industry.

[GaijinPunch]

I'm too old and bored to keep up w/ this crap. I'd rather order the game and play it then.

Anyways, you think developers will eventually make builds that have a "this copy was made for review purposes". It wouldnt' be that hard at all... just a few lines of code.

[Brian_Provinciano]

I'm too old and bored to keep up w/ this crap. I'd rather order the game and play it then.

Anyways, you think developers will eventually make builds that have a "this copy was made for review purposes". It wouldnt' be that hard at all... just a few lines of code.

True, although it's most likely this one was jacked from a disc manufacturing plant, or even more likely, a store which received their copies early. Most stores receive games and DVDs before the release date and just aren't supposed to put them out until the official release date.

[soniko_karuto]

I'm too old and bored to keep up w/ this crap. I'd rather order the game and play it then.

Anyways, you think developers will eventually make builds that have a "this copy was made for review purposes". It wouldnt' be that hard at all... just a few lines of code.

True, although it's most likely this one was jacked from a disc manufacturing plant, or even more likely, a store which received their copies early. Most stores receive games and DVDs before the release date and just aren't supposed to put them out until the official release date.

hell, i wish that would have been true for boktai. i had to cross the border about 5 times after it's supposed release date.

[Jorpho]

I think the Earthbound Zero proto actually had a bit of code like that in it, oddly enough.

Anyway, as I recall, the Half Life 2 leak was attributed to people covertly installing spyware and keyloggers on the systems at Valve. Sounds distinctly possible to me... In theory, you'd just need one person who thinks he/she doesn't need to worry about viruses from mail attachments, and there you go.

[Ed Oscuro]

I think the Earthbound Zero proto actually had a bit of code like that in it, oddly enough.
That was significantly more complicated; Earthbound Zero uses assembly code as an internal watchdog circuit to detect data that has been changed. Likely via checksums, but they could've used some other similar scheme. In any case, this is not something one can do with just "a few extra lines of code." Fixing it, in any case, would require a good deal of disassembly and reverse engineering work. Not that there aren't people who can't do that - there's a healthy number of people in that business - but it would be a bit of a challenge for the average Joe who doesn't know about patching and much of anything besides "modding" XBoxes.

[Brian_Provinciano]

I think the Earthbound Zero proto actually had a bit of code like that in it, oddly enough.
That was significantly more complicated; Earthbound Zero uses assembly code as an internal watchdog circuit to detect data that has been changed. Likely via checksums, but they could've used some other similar scheme. In any case, this is not something one can do with just "a few extra lines of code." Fixing it, in any case, would require a good deal of disassembly and reverse engineering work. Not that there aren't people who can't do that - there's a healthy number of people in that business - but it would be a bit of a challenge for the average Joe who doesn't know about patching and much of anything besides "modding" XBoxes.

In well structured code, file/data checksums can be easily implemented. Even with assembly language. After all, it's text until you compile it, so it wouldn't be too bad. If there's a unified file loading routine, the checksum code can be implemented in one step.. although it's not always done that nicely. However, the simpler the implementation, the easier it is to crack.

I think I recall hearing that GTA3/VC or PS2 had file checksums, so you couldn't apply custom textures and cities, which is really too bad. Although, one could crack it if they wanted to. It sure would have been cool to play those new fanmade cities and such on my PS2, as I'm not too into new PC games. My old PC can't run many, and my new PC is for coding and development! Most games are something I like to enjoy in the living room on the TV, not in a chair at the PC, but that's just me.

Reverse engineering is fun, and right now I'm into hardware RE'ing, as software RE'ing got a little boring. One can only do so many game editors before it gets repeititive, heh.

I still will never understand why people set out to crack and release pirated games like this. If they have the skills to do the cracking, they could get a job in the industry and make good money--why they waste it is anyone's guess. If they have a job in the industry and pirate their own games, they're just putting their job in jeopardy. Oh well.

[zmweasel]

I will go with D) One of the copies they sent to gamespot or another review site was copied.

Rockstar hasn't sent review copies of SA to anyone. Reviewers have to fly to Rockstar's New York offices and play it on-site.

-- Z.

[zmweasel]

I'm too old and bored to keep up w/ this crap. I'd rather order the game and play it then.

Anyways, you think developers will eventually make builds that have a "this copy was made for review purposes". It wouldnt' be that hard at all... just a few lines of code.

They already do make builds of this nature, and have for quite a while. For example, I recently reviewed Conflict: Vietnam, which had my editor's name implanted in the program code and on the title screen.

-- Z.

[RCM]

I've been told by some grubby pirates that the hardest system to pirate titles for is the GC b/c of its small discs. What can they hold 1.5 gigs? The average blank 3'' disc holds 210 megs er something. Ive heard from them same pirates that the easiest way to get around it is to use a Panasonic Q and burn the info on a DVDR.

Has anyone here downloaded the new GTA title? I am betting a few people around these parts has already.

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[blissfulnoise]

Actually since it's this close to release date, usually it's choice "C", someone from the duplication plant got a copy early and released it.

Bingo. I used to work at a location that did packaging for games (among other things) and I had access to lots of software before it was released and could have easily put it on the internet, sometimes a month+, before it's scheduled release date.

[Neil Koch]

Has anyone here downloaded the new GTA title? I am betting a few people around these parts has already.

I doubt anyone would admit it at this point... Rockstar has been going after sites that are hosting pics of the map of San Andreas (which is fucking huge BTW) or pirate screencaps.

I'm almost thinking that this is a "work" by Rockstar... even diehard GTA fans like me are getting that much more tuned up just seeing some actual in-game stuff.

[zmweasel]

Has anyone here downloaded the new GTA title? I am betting a few people around these parts has already.

I doubt anyone would admit it at this point... Rockstar has been going after sites that are hosting pics of the map of San Andreas (which is fucking huge BTW) or pirate screencaps.

I'm almost thinking that this is a "work" by Rockstar... even diehard GTA fans like me are getting that much more tuned up just seeing some actual in-game stuff.

C'mon, now. Does anyone REALLY believe that the Half-Life 2, Halo 2, and/or San Andreas leaks were intentional? Surely no one in this forum is that ignorant.

-- Z.

[SoulBlazer]

Maybe it was'nt, but it shows how poor their security is and how rampant piracy is getting. :/

[RCM]

Maybe it was'nt, but it shows how poor their security is and how rampant piracy is getting.

I don't think piracey is even close in America as it is in Asia. I've been to a couple countries in Asia and it's really astonishing. I remember the first time I was in Asia as a teen back in the Saturn days, I would walk into shops filled with knockoffs and copies of different games and systems. Hopefully it will never happen here.

THE ONE, THE ONLY- RCM

[kainemaxwell]

Hope some the leaks are reported.