In a groundbreaking development, Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has recently patented a novel locomotion system designed to deliver “highly dynamic and realistic animations.” This breakthrough promises to elevate the gaming experience to new heights, making characters move in ways that correspond to the in-game weather, their energy levels, and any injuries they may sustain.
This exciting revelation comes courtesy of Reddit user u/Tobbelobben30, who pointed out that the name Tobias Kleanthous had been “mentioned in the [GTA 6] leaks.” Upon further investigation, Tobbelobben discovered that Kleanthous had been a part of the Rockstar team from 2014 until late 2021, specializing in AI/gameplay and animation.
What makes this discovery even more intriguing is the fact that Kleanthous is not only a key figure behind this innovative technology but is also the lead inventor and author of a patent titled “System and Method for Virtual Character Locomotion.” On their LinkedIn profile, Kleanthous describes this patent as related to “animated locomotion control based on some of the core technology” that they “architected and implemented at Rockstar Games.”
According to Tobbelobben30, who appears to have perused the patent before it was removed from public view, “Based on this patent, it seems like they’re using a clever system.” This innovative approach involves constructing a library of small building blocks for character movements. These blocks can then be combined in various ways to create a wide range of animations.
Tobbelobben30 further explains, “For instance, think about a character in the game walking in the rain, feeling tired, or getting injured. Instead of designing separate animations for each of these situations, they use these building blocks to put together the character’s movements naturally.”
The implications of this approach are significant. It suggests that GTA 6 can offer players a more diverse and lifelike gaming experience. Characters will now move in ways that are in sync with the in-game weather, their energy levels, and any injuries they may incur. This level of adaptability promises to make the game world feel more real and immersive, as characters react naturally to various situations.
In related news, recent developments have shed light on the legal proceedings involving Arion Kurtaj, an 18-year-old charged with hacking and blackmailing several companies, including Uber, Nvidia, and Rockstar, the developer of GTA 6. Notably, Kurtaj, who was just 17 when they were part of the Lapsus$ hacking group responsible for leaking assets from the unannounced Grand Theft Auto 6, has been deemed unfit to stand trial. The charges against Kurtaj include three counts of blackmail, two counts of fraud, and six counts under the Computer Misuse Act after sending a threatening message to all Rockstar staff, in which they threatened to release the source code of the game.