That Early Build of GTA 4 Found on an Xbox 360 Dev Kit didn't Last Long

An early build of GTA 4 has been taken offline by what appears to be a DMCA notice.

Head to the page where the build was originally uploaded to, and you'll now get a notice that says: "This item is no longer available. Items may be taken down for various reasons, including by decision of the uploader or due to a violation of our Terms of Use." The notice does not indicate who filed the takedown request.

The 360 dev kit previously owned by Grand Theft Auto developer Rockstar Games, complete with an early beta build of GTA 4, popped up in a Scottish flea market. At first, Jan, the person who bought it, wasn't entirely sure what he'd found, only recognizing it as a "Phat Xbox 360." It was only later when he got home that he realized what he had bought.

The 2007 build was "partially wiped," although people managed to "retrieve most of the files," including beta model images of the characters, weapons, items, vehicles, maps, and more, helping fans collectively work out what changed between this early build and the final retail release version. There have already been some incredible discoveries.

Now, however, Rockstar — or at least lawyers acting for the studio or its parent company, Take-Two Interactive — have seemingly forcibly taken the download down. The original uploader had seemingly not been notified of the takedown notice, although images and videos from the beta are still online. As of Tuesday, the owner of the 360 Dev Kit had not found a buyer for his flea market find.

Some fans expressed their disappointment at the news. "As someone who used to research RDR2 files with a massive group of friends, it's cool to see cut content and how the game evolved to the finish line," said Rockstar X / Twitter fan account, videotechuk_, "Plus, Rockstar’s secrecy interests me. We don't get behind the scenes at all."

All this comes ahead of the launch of GTA 6, which currently has a November 19, 2026 release date. Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick recently said marketing for GTA 6 kicks off this summer. The price of GTA 6 remains a mystery, with some expecting Rockstar to charge up to $100 for the game, although there's no evidence either way right now. One thing Zelnick has been clear on, however, is denying rumors that GTA 6 will be a digital-only release upon its initial launch. Recently, PlayStation gamers began fooling their friends by adding GTA 6 to their Recently Played list.

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

via That Early Build of GTA 4 Found on an Xbox 360 Dev Kit didn't Last Long
by Vikki Blake