An early version of Grand Theft Auto 4 has been pulled from the internet, likely due to a DMCA takedown notice. Visiting the original upload page now displays a message stating, "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 specify who requested the removal.
The build was found on an Xbox 360 development kit once owned by Rockstar Games, the developer behind GTA. It surfaced at a flea market in Scotland, where Jan, the buyer, initially mistook it for a standard "Phat Xbox 360" before realizing its significance at home.
Dating back to 2007, the build was partially erased, but enthusiasts managed to recover most files, including beta images of characters, weapons, items, vehicles, and maps. This has allowed fans to piece together changes between this early version and the final retail release, leading to some fascinating discoveries.
Now, Rockstar or its parent company Take-Two Interactive, possibly through legal representatives, appears to have enforced the takedown. The uploader reportedly wasn't notified beforehand, though images and videos from the beta remain accessible online. As of Tuesday, Jan had not yet sold the dev kit from his flea market find.
Fans have voiced disappointment over the removal. Rockstar fan account videotechuk_ commented on X/Twitter, "As someone who used to research RDR2 files with a large group, it's exciting to see cut content and how the game evolved. Plus, Rockstar's secrecy intrigues me—we rarely get behind-the-scenes glimpses."
This news emerges as anticipation builds for GTA 6, set to launch on November 19, 2026. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick recently announced that marketing for the game will begin this summer. While the price remains unknown, with speculation it could reach $100, Zelnick has denied rumors of a digital-only release at launch. In a playful twist, some PlayStation users have been tricking friends by adding GTA 6 to their Recently Played lists.
