How This YouTuber Tricked the Internet with GTA 6

When it comes to gaming leaks, Grand Theft Auto 6 is one of the most highly anticipated titles. YouTuber 12th Hour managed to fool the internet with an elaborate fake leak, blending creativity, technology, and a bit of mischievous fun.

1. Planning the Hoax

12th Hour’s idea began with a simple concept: create a "leaked" first-person footage of GTA 6. He used real Grand Theft Auto V footage as a base but needed to make it unique enough to convince people it was something entirely new.

2. Leveraging First-Person Gameplay

Since no first-person GTA 6 footage had been released, 12th Hour knew skepticism would be lowered. He used this gap to his advantage, ensuring his clip mimicked what people would expect from a next-gen Rockstar game.

3. Finding the Perfect Location

He scouted Google Maps for Miami locations, as Vice City is based on Miami. After searching, he found a detailed spot that fit his needs. This meticulous attention to detail was key to making the leak believable.

4. Recreating the World in 3D

The entire street was recreated in 3D, complete with graffiti, detailed road textures, and custom vehicle models. Using humor, he added an Amazon Prime van parody labeled "Crime" and even hid personal Easter eggs.

5. Adding NPCs and Easter Eggs

NPCs walking, birds flying, and a debug menu were added to simulate developer footage. A bootleg version of "Lucia," the rumored GTA 6 character, was animated for added authenticity. Combining these elements made the scene dynamic and immersive.

6. Making the Clip Go Viral

To spread the fake footage, 12th Hour couldn’t use his platform directly. He anonymously posted on forums and TikTok, but initial attempts flopped. He finally gained traction when a social media collaborator shared it, propelling the video to over 7 million views across platforms.

7. Conclusion

The fake leak divided the internet. Many were fooled, while others quickly debunked it. Despite the mix of reactions, 12th Hour’s elaborate prank demonstrated the power of creativity and attention to detail. Check out his full video here and see how he pulled off this incredible hoax.