Key Takeaways
- A Reddit user posted data allegedly collected while hiding in bushes outside Rockstar North's Edinburgh office
- The 'oxygen index' experiment has no scientific basis for predicting indoor activity
- Rockstar security reportedly confiscated monitoring equipment from the user
Video game hype cycles have produced some strange behavior over the years. Fans have decoded cryptic tweets, analyzed frame-by-frame trailer footage, and built elaborate theories from background details. But monitoring oxygen concentrations outside a developer's office? That's new territory.
A user on the /r/GTA6unmoderated subreddit claims to have done exactly that. According to their posts, they've been spending time crouched in bushes outside Rockstar North's headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland. Their stated mission: collect environmental data that might predict when the third GTA 6 trailer will arrive.
The Data Collection Claims
The Reddit user, posting under the handle Then-Pomegranate-625, shared several data sets they claim to have gathered on-site. These include acoustic recordings, traffic monitoring, and oxygen concentration measurements.
The poster argues that increased oxygen levels around the building indicate executives working weekends. Spikes in acoustic and decibel levels supposedly point to heightened activity inside. They also posted what they call "Rockstar Carpark Data," claiming to document cars arriving at the facility. Notable vehicles allegedly spotted include a Rolls-Royce Cullinan and a Ferrari 296 GTB.
In comment replies, the user claims professional credentials. They say they "contracted with the government for audio surveillance" for years and now earn upwards of £300,000 annually. They insist they're "not doing anything illegal" and took up this project because they were "bored."
The Science Problem
The fundamental issue: measuring outdoor oxygen levels tells you nothing about what's happening inside a building. Atmospheric oxygen concentration sits at roughly 20.9% under normal conditions. The user reported readings around 20.04%, which they interpreted as evidence of increased human activity indoors. This makes no scientific sense.
Indoor air quality is regulated by HVAC systems. Even if 500 people were working overtime inside Rockstar North, the effect on outdoor oxygen levels would be undetectable. The variation the user recorded falls within normal atmospheric fluctuation caused by weather, time of day, or sensor calibration drift.
Security Gets Involved
According to the user's posts, Rockstar's security staff has already confiscated at least one set of monitoring equipment. The user posted images of microphones they claim were taken after being discovered outside the building.
When another Redditor sarcastically asked why they didn't just bug the building, the user responded in earnest: "I wouldn't be able to pull it off." They added that they don't want to "go the illegal route." Whether their current surveillance activities cross legal lines remains unclear, but security intervention suggests Rockstar isn't amused.
Community Response
The gaming community has largely responded with mockery. Most commenters pointed out the obvious scientific flaws in using external air quality as a proxy for indoor occupancy. Others expressed concern about the stalker-like nature of monitoring a workplace's air and sound levels.
Several observers referenced the "Pizza Index," a semi-joking metric that tracks late-night pizza deliveries to government buildings as a sign of crisis activity. The oxygen monitoring attempt has been called a failed attempt at similar predictive analytics, minus the logical foundation.
The GTA 6 Anticipation Context
This episode reflects the unprecedented anticipation surrounding GTA 6. Rockstar's franchise has generated over $8 billion in revenue. The previous mainline entry, GTA 5, launched in 2013 and remains one of the best-selling games ever made. Fans have waited over a decade for its successor.
The first GTA 6 trailer dropped in December 2023, followed by a second in late 2024. Both broke viewing records within hours of release. With no confirmed release date beyond a 2025 window, fans have grown increasingly creative in their attempts to predict announcements.
The oxygen monitoring incident sits at the extreme end of this spectrum. Whether the entire thing is an elaborate prank remains unclear. The user's Reddit account has only four posts, all related to this project. The absurdity level makes parody a real possibility. But if it is a joke, someone invested significant effort in the bit.
Logicity's Take
Frequently Asked Questions
When is GTA 6 trailer 3 expected to release?
Rockstar has not announced a date for a third trailer. The oxygen monitoring claims are not a reliable prediction method.
Can outdoor oxygen levels indicate indoor activity?
No. Indoor air is regulated by HVAC systems. Outdoor atmospheric oxygen fluctuates naturally and is unaffected by the number of people inside a building.
Is monitoring activity outside a business legal?
It depends on jurisdiction and specific activities. Observing a public space may be legal, but surveillance equipment could cross lines. Rockstar security confiscating equipment suggests the company views it as problematic.
When is GTA 6 releasing?
Rockstar has confirmed a 2025 release window but has not announced a specific date.
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Source: Latest from Tom's Hardware
Manaal Khan
Tech & Innovation Writer
Produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the Logicity editorial team. Learn more in our Editorial Policy.
