Rockstar Games is facing yet another leak as early builds of Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories have surfaced online. The leaked files, reportedly from development versions dating back to 2005, provide a fascinating look at how the PSP-exclusive GTA spin-off evolved during production.
The leak has sparked excitement among GTA fans and preservationists, as it offers a rare glimpse into cut content, prototype mechanics, and early design choices for one of the most beloved handheld GTA titles.
What’s in the Liberty City Stories Leak?
The leaked files contain early development builds of Liberty City Stories, revealing numerous differences from the final release. Some of the most notable discoveries include:
1. Unfinished Missions and Story Elements
- Early versions of cutscenes and dialogue hint at unused side missions and different narrative directions.
- Some missions have different objectives and layouts, suggesting that the story underwent significant revisions before launch.
2. Prototype Gameplay Mechanics
- Certain gameplay features, such as vehicle handling and physics, appear to have been reworked or simplified before the final release.
- Early combat mechanics and animations showcase how Rockstar refined the game’s gunplay for the PSP’s limited controls.
3. Unused Vehicles and Characters
- Several vehicles and pedestrian models that never made it into the final game are present in these builds.
- Some NPC interactions and AI behavior differ significantly from the finished version.
4. Debugging Tools and Developer Notes
- The builds contain debug menus that allow access to test areas, unused weapons, and early mission scripts.
- Developer comments found in the files suggest that Liberty City Stories went through multiple iterations before its 2005 release.
The Leak’s Impact on the GTA Community
The leak has generated mixed reactions among Grand Theft Auto fans:
- Excitement for Game Preservation: Many gaming historians and modders see the leak as an opportunity to preserve a crucial part of GTA history.
- “It’s amazing to see how Rockstar developed one of the best handheld GTAs,” one fan commented on Reddit.
- Concerns About Rockstar’s Response: Given Rockstar’s history of aggressively pursuing legal action against leaks, some fear that these files may be removed from the internet quickly.
- “Better grab everything before Take-Two comes knocking,” joked a Twitter user.
- Speculation About Other GTA Leaks: Some believe that more early GTA builds—possibly from Vice City Stories or even GTA IV—could surface in the future.
A Growing Trend of GTA Leaks
This is not the first time an early GTA build has surfaced online. In recent years, Rockstar Games has dealt with multiple leaks, including:
- 2022’s GTA VI Mega Leak, where 90+ videos and images from early development were posted online.
- Beta Builds of GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas leaking, showcasing cut content and scrapped mechanics.
- Unfinished versions of GTA IV appearing online, featuring different weather effects, animations, and NPC behavior.
These leaks highlight the increasing difficulty developers face in protecting unfinished builds from reaching the public.
