Several torrent websites released a 18GB downloadable file posing as Grand Theft Auto 5 last week just after it was announced the game will be available early 2014, leaving many gamers wondering if the news about the virus helped lead to the announcement.

WCCFTech.com, an online source of information for computer gamers, sent a message last week warning about the consequences involved with downloading the game, according to SCMagazine.com.

The website discussed the torrent's high SEO ranking and its false verification from Rockstar Games.

While Hewlett-Packard released a short message regarding the PC release date of Grand Theft Auto 5, pointing to an end-of-month release for the version, the game is expected to be released at the beginning of next year.

"Get ready to own your friends in Grand Theft Auto in October with the HP ENVY Phoenix 810," Hewlett-Packard wrote in a public message to customers, giving many the impression it would be released by Halloween.

The next title update for Grand Theft Auto 5 and its computer version will resolve the issue of players losing their gameplay progress and will improve user-vehicle relations in the game, giving users better access to driving gameplay.

Rockstar Games has not announced an official release date for Grand Theft Auto 5 and has not mentioned anything about the 18GB torrent virus that was released by unknown users online.