Yet more rumors and leaks surrounding GTA V

by Steven Mostyn - Nov 17 2011, 07:08

This brisk and bracing Thursday morning brings rumors and leaks galore for fans of Rockstar Games and its recently unveiled crime epic Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V).

Specifically, initial suggestions by industry analysts that the latest Grand Theft Auto adventure could be released ahead of next year’s E3 Expo have now been supported (somewhat) by retail giant Walmart.

Although Rockstar Games has not yet officially confirmed when the game will arrive, a product listing on Walmart’s website offers up a retail release date of June 1, 2012—the E3 Expo will be held in Los Angeles between June 5 and June 7.

Also, a report on videogame news hub N4G is claiming that GTA IV protagonist Niko Bellic (as voiced by Michael Hollick) will indeed be returning to action alongside rumored lead character Albert De Silva (as voiced by TV actor Ned Luke).

The report points to the appearance of Hollick’s name on the game’s sparse IMDb page, but a quick visit to said database shows that name has now been deleted—if it was ever there in the first place.

It’s also worth noting that the relationship between Hollick and Rockstar has deteriorated since the actor openly bemoaned the fact he was paid very little for his performance while the game itself made hundreds of millions of dollars. His inclusion therefore stands as unlikely.

Meanwhile, the casting of Ned Luke looks considerably more likely. Luke’s name is indeed present on the IMDb page for Grand Theft Auto V and his positioning as lead character has been seemingly confirmed by actor Jimmy Taenaka.

“My fellow thespian Ned Luke is the lead voice and profile in the upcoming game by Rockstar Grand Theft Auto 5!” the former Jag and Kung Fu Killer actor revealed in a Twitter post. “Way to go Ned! Wholly Molly!”

But wait, we’re not done grinding unsubstantiated grain through the GTA V rumor mill.

Indeed, the folks at DSOGaming are banding about an apparently leaked city map plucked from the game, which reveals the street layout for Los Santos (see above).

“Our sources tell us that this is legit and is actually the map that will be featured in GTA V,” boasts the site. “In addition—and contrary to some other map leaks that have appeared on the web some weeks ago—this does look like the real deal.”

Despite such bold claims, many gamers willing to venture comment regarding the map’s authenticity have been quick to dismiss it as little more than a GTA IV mod.

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