UK news site pays £1m settlement after leaking Red Dead Redemption 2 details

Take-Two Interactive and British news website Trusted Reviews clashed in the run up to the release of Red Dead Redemption 2, after the latter leaked information contained within confidential documents. The TI-owned publication has since apologised for its actions, agreeing to donate £1 million towards charities chosen by Take-Two.

An article that surfaced in February leaked a number of hidden details pertaining to Red Dead Redemption 2, including a battle royale mode within the game’s upcoming online elements. This story has since been removed and replaced with the website’s apology:

“On February 6, 2018, we published an article that was sourced from a confidential corporate document. We should have known this information was confidential and should not have published it. We unreservedly apologise to Take-Two Games and we have undertaken not to repeat such actions again. We have also agreed to donate over £1 million to charities chosen by Take-Two Games.”

It’s uncertain whether or not the “confidential corporate document” was obtained without breaking any laws, as both Trusted Reviews and developer Rockstar Games avoided questions on the matter. Publisher Take-Two Interactive did issue its own statement, according to Variety, that describes the £1 million in donations to be much more than a goodwill gesture.

“Take-Two takes security seriously and will take legal action against people or publications who leak confidential information,” reads Take-Two’s statement. “Because this situation involved information about ‘Red Dead Redemption 2,’ Rockstar Games directed the settlement funds to these three great charities: the American Indian College Fund, the American Prairie Reserve, and the First Nations Development Institute.”

While leaks are common in the field of video game journalism, this marks on the only times successful legal action has been pursued. The same ruthlessness has recently been seen in Take-Two’s action against cheat makers, making it unlikely that the publisher will take the time to celebrate its victory here.

KitGuru Says: As much as leaks are enjoyable to get ahead of the curve, I do miss the time before accessible broadband where games would remain a complete mystery until launch. Fortunately, this hasn’t affected Red Dead Redemption 2’s sales in any way shape or form. Have you been enjoying the new entry?

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