People trying to play a pirated version of the next Rockstar game now face a new challenge. The datamining account PlayStation Game Size found that the GTA 6 release build will need the latest console firmware. Sony’s 14.10.00.00 update has, for now, blocked a method used to jailbreak the PS5.
PlayStation Game Size noticed a requirement that quickly raised questions. The Relapse exploit got attention because, unlike other methods, it worked on the July 13.60 console update. Hackers used a browser flaw to get deep access to the system, letting them run homebrew apps and some game backups, though not all worked well.
The 14.00 firmware released on September 16 was the first update to disrupt the Relapse exploit. Sony then released the 14.10 patch on October 1, adding more security fixes. The company did not say it was aiming at any specific exploit or PS5 jailbreak.
Rockstar Games probably won’t comment on these new piracy issues. Still, some fans think the timing of the datamine is interesting. Some PSN features need the latest firmware, but single-player games usually don’t. Since GTA 6 comes out on November 19, many believe the developers are trying to prevent problems ahead of time.
Releasing GTA 6 for PS5 and Xbox as digital-only helps the studio. Publishers usually start making discs a month or more before launch. Physical copies might work with older firmware, but Xbox and PlayStation Store downloads can be updated more easily.
Even though Relapse no longer works, pirates will keep trying to get around Sony’s security. It’s not clear if the changes in the 14.10.00.00 update are a big problem for them. There have also been new developments with a hypervisor exploit. PlayStation might not be able to stop all the different methods being used.
Emulation is also improving as a possible way to play a GTA 6 PS5 version on PCs. Still, while GTA 5 runs better in KytyPS5 now, GTA 6 will be much harder to get working.
