In the week before the Early Access of Starfield, a leaker published around 45 minutes of shaky gameplay and gave his first assessment of the game. He had stolen his game versions and was arrested. The story behind it is quite crazy.
Leaks, data mining, and unconfirmed early information are part of a major release for some players. There are entire communities that express their excitement for a game by meticulously tracking down fragments of information.
When users even provide solid information about a new game, perhaps even breaking a confidentiality agreement to give leakers fresh insights, they can even become heroes.
In the subreddit “GamingLeaksAndRumors” on the discussion platform Reddit, this hero is currently Darin “Lord Tyrone” Harris. After Harris posted 45 minutes of gameplay from Starfield and his assessment online, he was arrested by the police in Shelby County, USA. Apparently for theft and marijuana.
For a brief insight into the gameplay of Starfield, check out our video:
Starfield: Leaks, Theft, and a Bit of Grass
The story behind the leak: The story behind the leak sounds wild. Harris allegedly did not have access to a preview version but is said to have broken into a warehouse and stolen 67 copies of Starfield (via polygon.com).
Accordingly, Harris was also not prosecuted for violating confidentiality agreements.
According to a report by eu.commercialappeal.com, Harris intended to sell the stolen copies. According to this report, there is a video of him that he posted himself showing him sending packages with the Starfield games at a post office. With the help of the security company of the warehouse, a lead to Harris was reportedly established.
A search warrant was issued, and Starfield copies were found. Harris himself said that he had bought the copies from an unknown individual.
The leaker “Lord Tyrone” was subsequently charged with grand theft. He also received a charge because a stolen firearm and marijuana were found. Harris could face a fine ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.
However, the leaker is no longer in jail: Harris has posted his bail of $10,000. The hearing is scheduled for September 8.
What happened next? In the subreddit “GamingLeaksAndRumors”, the story went a little further.
As the US site Kotaku reports, they received an email from Jasper Adkins providing evidence that he was in contact with the local police to assist in identifying Harris. Kotaku writes that he sent screenshots which are supposed to prove the communication with the police (via kotaku.com).
It is unclear whether Adkins’ help actually contributed to identifying Harris. However, Adkins felt secure enough to boast in the leak subreddit that he was in contact with the police to catch the leaker.
He quickly received a message that he had violated the subreddit rules and was banned. Adkins contacted the admins and claimed that the response was: “Just not interested in having someone here who goes against the community like that”.
Adkins said: “Undoubtedly, the community will condemn me while criminals gain meme and legend status. It’s no wonder people are losing faith in humanity.” Leaks are okay, theft is where he draws the line.
Not much longer and leaks about the release of Starfield won’t matter anymore. On August 31 at 6 PM, the review embargo will be lifted, and the first streamers will be allowed to show the RPG, with early access starting on September 1 at 2 AM German time.
If you’re now looking for more information about the new sci-fi RPG, check out our extensive info article: Starfield: All information about the release of Bethesda’s sci-fi epic – gameplay, editions & content
