By now, almost everyone is familiar with the news that an individual responsible for leaking gameplay footage of Bethesda’s highly anticipated game, Starfield, has been apprehended and has faced multiple charges. If you are curious about the identity of this individual and want to know about the resulting legal consequences, we got you covered.
Getting to know who the Starfield Leaker is
About the Gameplay Footage leak
Last week, leaked gameplay footage of Starfield, Bethesda’s eagerly awaited spacefaring action RPG, took the internet by storm.
- Approximately 40 minutes of early gameplay found its way online, creating a dilemma for fans who wished to experience the game firsthand.
- The leak’s virality led to wide-scale spoilers circulating across various platforms.
Who is the Leaker?
The leaker has been identified as a 29-year-old man named Darin Harris.
- The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee recently arrested him on multiple charges.
- Harris, who originally uploaded the leaked footage to his YouTube channel, showcased scenes from Starfield that the game’s developer had not officially released.
- Despite taking it down, there was no way to reverse the damage. Spoilers quickly spread throughout Starfield’s bumbling community.
The person who leaked the Starfield gameplay on YouTube has uploaded a response video. “Todd, no offense man, that’s a good game.” 😂 #Starfield #Xbox pic.twitter.com/EuwxOhC7BJ
— Rebs Gaming (@Mr_Rebs_) August 22, 2023
Darin Harris Faces Legal Consequences
Darin Harris now faces a range of charges related to the leak and his alleged involvement in the unauthorized distribution of Starfield.
- Reports indicate that authorities have charged Harris with theft of property totaling $1,000 or less and theft of property ranging between $2,500 and $10,000.
- Additionally, Harris was found in possession of marijuana, leading to a misdemeanor charge for possessing a controlled substance.
Harris’ Exploits Beyond Leaks
Harris’ involvement in the leak extended beyond just the shared footage. He also attempted to profit from the stolen material.
- He revealed that he had listed multiple copies of the unreleased game for sale on the Japanese e-commerce platform Mercari.
- Notably, one of the listings included the game’s premium $300 Constellation Edition.
- He posted a video review of Starfield on Twitter (check above), openly revealing his face and offering his impressions of the game.
- In the review, he praised the gameplay and its unique aspects, directly addressing the game’s director, Todd Howard.
How Did the Starfield Leaker Obtain the Game?
The exact manner in which Harris obtained the leaked copies of Starfield remains unclear. As the case develops, it raises questions about possible legal actions that ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda, or Microsoft might take against Harris, considering the substantial financial consequences of this leak.
Starfield will become available to players on PC and Xbox Series X/S in less than two weeks. As the gaming community eagerly awaits the official release, the aftermath of this leak serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material.
Did you catch a glimpse of the leak on the internet, or are you in the clear? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
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