Rumours and leaks about Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) have been floating in the webspace for quite some time, long before an official trailer dropped. Now, as the game reportedly nears its final stages of development, Rockstar Games has asked its employees to return to in-office work five days a week starting in April.

Rockstar Games, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., is recalling employees back to the office as it enters the last phases of crafting GTA VI, reported India Today. In an email circulated among staff, Jenn Kolbe, Rockstar’s Head of Publishing, emphasized that this shift is driven by both productivity and security concerns.

Kolbe stated that the company has identified “tangible benefits” of working from offices. “Making these changes now puts us in the best position to deliver the next Grand Theft Auto at the level of quality and polish we know it requires,” she wrote.

Security concerns have loomed over Rockstar Games, particularly regarding leaks of game content. Eurogamer, a UK-based game news site, highlighted a TikTok account (@i_see_in_4k) which shared footage claiming it is of GTA VI. Subsequent reports suggested that this footage likely originated from the child of a Rockstar Games employee, sparking further security worries.

The decision to recall employees to the office is seen as a measure to strengthen security amid such incidents. Rockstar Games has faced breaches in the past, prompting a proactive approach to safeguard sensitive information related to GTA VI.

The anticipation surrounding GTA VI reached with the release of its trailer a few months ago. The trailer, which confirmed a female protagonist and showcased a revamped Vice City, engaged fans worldwide. Since then, leaks detailing various aspects of the game, from graphics improvements to new character abilities, have surfaced.

As of now the official release date for GTA VI remains undisclosed. Rockstar Games hinted during the trailer launch that the game will hit the shelves in 2025. As the gaming community awaits further updates, the return of Rockstar Games employees to the office signals a phase in the development of one of the anticipated titles in recent years.