The GTA 6 hype might be leading you to a trap on PC
2023's equivalent of "downloading more RAM" is the promise of very, early access to Grand Theft Auto 6 on desktops,
We get it. Grand Theft Auto 6 is dominating the internet. Even the recently concluded The Game Awards wasn't enough to stop people from talking about it again.
If anything, it provided a momentary distraction as the internet is now back to business as usual as they go back to dissecting every square inch of the reference-filled record-setting official trailer.
Unfortunately, with hype comes criminal activity. The excitement surrounding the release of GTA 6 in 2025 has led to a surge in online scams targeting eager gamers.
Cybercriminals have created fake GTA 6 installers designed to inject malware into PCs. The fraudulent installers on the websites known for distributing pirated games, pose a risk to the unwary, particularly younger or less informed gamers.
The malicious files, as reported by concerned users, are cleverly disguised by these criminals to look like legitimate game installers. They mimic the appearance of setups from well-known groups like FitGirl Repacks, which are popular for their compressed versions of cracked games. Unwitting gamers, especially those unaware of the game's actual release schedule, may be tempted to download these files, resulting in the inadvertent installation of harmful software.
https://old.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/18d1p0x/gta_6_scammers_are_already_making_fake_pc/
It's important to note that GTA 6 has only been confirmed for a 2025 release, and only on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles. There has been no official announcement from Rockstar Games regarding a PC version at this time.
This is the biggest proof that the GTA 6 installers found online aren't legitimate. Historically, Rockstar Games has released their titles on consoles first, with PC versions following much later, if at all. This pattern further undermines the credibility of these so-called GTA 6 PC installers.
For those who might have fallen victim to these scams, immediate action is crucial. It's recommended to delete the files from the system and conduct a thorough antivirus scan. In severe cases, formatting the hard drive or SSD to eliminate any remnants of the malware may be necessary.
The rise of these fake GTA 6 installers highlights the importance of staying informed and vigilant in the digital gaming landscape. Gamers are urged to download games only from official sources and to be skeptical of any offers that seem too good to be true. As the anticipation for GTA 6 continues to build, it's vital for gamers to protect themselves against these opportunistic cyber threats.
Don't forget, if Rockstar Games can fall victim to leaks, multiple times even, then so can the average gamer who might be only interested in GTA 6 because of the ever-profitable FOMO phenomenon.
As GTA 6 dominates water cooler chat, it becomes essential for everyone to stay cautious to avoid falling prey to scams. Always verify the authenticity of game installers and keep in mind the official release channels and dates. By staying informed and cautious, gamers can ensure they enjoy a safe and secure gaming experience.
In the meantime, fans can stay busy by watching the official GTA 6 trailer on loop, or playing the GTA Remaster trilogy, which includes Vice City, on Netflix and/or GTA+.