Sony’s $50,000 PS5 bug bounty sparks a GTA 6 modding fight
Short answer: Sony paid a researcher known as Jordy (2tonejordy on HackerOne) $50,000 for reporting a critical PlayStation flaw. He joked the money will at least buy GTA 6. The story set off a fight in the PS5 modding scene about whether flaws should be held back until after GTA 6 launches on November 19.
By Jake Morrison · Sources checked by GTA6Geek Editorial · Published · Updated
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What happened
Sony has paid a $50,000 bug bounty, the top reward in its PlayStation program, to a security researcher known as Jordy (2tonejordy on HackerOne). The reward was for a flaw Sony rated as “critical”. Sony has not said publicly what the flaw was.
Jordy then posted on X that he can “at least buy GTA 6” with the money. That one line pulled Grand Theft Auto VI into a story that was really about PS5 security.
Is this real? Yes, reported by major outlets
Who said it: Dexerto, citing HackerOne records and a post on X by the researcher. Sources: Dexerto, LevelUp, Yahoo Tech, IGN. Our view: Sony paying a $50,000 bounty is well reported. Claims that GTA 6 itself is at risk of piracy are only a fear in the community for now, not a fact. Checked: 28 Oct 2026.
Why there is a fight about GTA 6
The PS5 hacking scene is split. Earlier, another well-known researcher, Andy “TheFlow” Nguyen, had asked Jordy to hold back a PS5 flaw until after GTA 6 is out. His idea was that players could buy GTA 6 legally on a newer firmware first, and still use Linux on their PS5 later.
Jordy chose to report flaws to Sony instead, which closes them. Nguyen has since said he is stepping away from PS5 work. Dexerto notes it is not proven that the paid flaw is the same one they argued about.
Is GTA 6 at risk of piracy?
Not right now, based on what is public. LevelUp reports that hackers showed a PS5 debug menu on firmware 14.10, the version many expect GTA 6 to need, but says current exploits cannot be used to pirate GTA 6. Sony is clearly working against it: the bounty program and the shutdown of an illegal game store are part of that push.
We do not share or link hacking tools. If you want GTA 6 on day one, buy it from the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store or a real shop. See our GTA 6 price guide and exact release time.
What it means for GTA 6 players
- Nothing changes for normal players. Keep your PS5 updated before launch day.
- GTA 6 still launches on November 19, 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
- Sony is paying big money to close PS5 holes before the biggest game of the year arrives.
Sources
Last checked: 28 Oct 2026. Labels: Official = Rockstar or platform holder, Reported = previews or press, Unconfirmed = not stated by Rockstar.
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Frequently asked questions
How much did Sony pay for the PS5 bug?
$50,000, the maximum reward in the PlayStation bug bounty program.
Who got the PS5 bug bounty?
A researcher known as Jordy, 2tonejordy on HackerOne.
Can GTA 6 be pirated on PS5?
No. Based on public reports, current PS5 exploits cannot be used to pirate GTA 6.
Should I update my PS5 before GTA 6?
Yes. Keep your PS5 on the latest firmware so GTA 6 runs on launch day.
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