Former Rockstar animator Ben Chu leaks early GTA 6 footage showing Lucia and bicycle mechanics

New GTA 6 Footage Surfaces: Former Rockstar Animator Shares Early Glimpses of Lucia and Bikes

The gaming world is abuzz with fresh details surrounding the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6, this time not from the usual whispers of anonymous insiders, but from a former Rockstar Games animator. Ben Chu, who previously contributed to some of Rockstar's most iconic titles, has shared a selection of his professional work on Vimeo, inadvertently revealing early development footage from GTA 6.

Early Look at Lucia and Dynamic Animations

Among Chu's portfolio, a brief 13-second clip dedicated to GTA 6 caught the keen eyes of the r/GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit. While this represents an early iteration of the game, it offers a fascinating peek into the studio's meticulous animation process. The video showcases a male character retrieving a bicycle from a rack and embarking on a ride, while a female character, widely believed to be the game's protagonist Lucia, stands atop a pickup truck before gracefully leaping to the ground. This scene is particularly significant as it appears to highlight the animation work for Lucia, demonstrating the nuanced movements and character interaction that Rockstar is renowned for.

LOMBikes: A Nod to Real-World Services

The inclusion of bicycles in the game, specifically those marked as 'LOMBikes,' is a noteworthy detail. As reported by The Gamer, this branding is a clear, playful parallel to the real-world bike-sharing service Lime. Such subtle, real-world references are expected to be a recurring theme throughout GTA 6, adding layers of authenticity and immersion to the game's world. Even within this short snippet, Rockstar's commitment to detail is evident: the pedals on the bicycle adjust realistically to the character's feet, and the bike returns to its starting position with fluid, natural motions.

Beyond the Leaks: Rockstar's Internal Climate

The original Vimeo video featuring Chu's work has since been removed, which is understandable given that it was part of his professional portfolio, including projects like Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA 5, and Max Payne 3. Chu's tenure at Rockstar, spanning over 25 years, as noted on MobyGames, highlights his deep involvement with the studio's development. This leak, unlike the countless AI-generated fakes that have proliferated online (such as the notorious 'twerk button' story), offers genuine insight into the game's development. However, the timing of this leak is intriguing, as it occurs against a backdrop of ongoing internal turbulence at Rockstar. Recent events have seen the dismissal of 34 employees, sparking discussions and disputes surrounding unionization efforts. Some team members have spoken out about alleged restrictions on communication, including limitations on emoji use and 'non-work-related' topics, which they claim preceded the layoffs. Rockstar, in turn, has pointed to data leaks as a contributing factor.

Connecting the Dots: Animator's Tenure and Future Details

While the recently surfaced footage itself is unlikely to be directly linked to the October layoffs, as Chu's LinkedIn profile indicates his role as a Senior 3D Animator in the Canadian office concluded in June 2025, it underscores the scrutiny Rockstar faces regarding internal information. The gaming community, undeterred by these internal affairs, continues its own deep dives, with fans actively scrutinizing character backstories. For instance, one user has reportedly uncovered details of Jason's military past, suggesting he served in an elite American regiment, adding another layer to the game's evolving narrative before its official reveal.