Bitcoin has erupted into the headlines amidst a concerning ordeal involving the esteemed video game developer, Insomniac Games, recognized for its acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man series.

Recent reports reveal that Insomniac Games has fallen prey to a malicious hacking incident, with the notorious hacking group, Rhysida, demanding a ransom of 50 Bitcoin, translating to approximately US$2 million. The group has menacingly threatened to leak sensitive information pertaining to the much-anticipated Marvel’s Wolverine game unless the ransom is met within a stringent seven-day timeframe.

A report by CyberDaily uncovered that Rhysida has already disseminated selective data to substantiate their purported infiltration of Insomniac Games’ systems. The leaked information encompasses an annotated snapshot from the Marvel’s Wolverine game, providing a sneak peek into the game’s development process. Additionally, character artwork tied to other Marvel characters hinting at potential in-game appearances was also part of the leaked data.

Shockingly, the compromised data further comprises of passport scans allegedly belonging to Insomniac employees, including one individual who was let go by the developer two months ago and is presently employed at Disney. Personal documents linked to Yuri Lowenthal, the distinguished voice actor behind Peter Parker (Spider-Man) in the latest Marvel’s Spider-Man release, were also brought to light.

In a brazen display, Rhysida has leveraged the stolen data as a bargaining chip, initiating an auction and inviting potential buyers to bid on this exclusive and sensitive information. The auction’s commencement price has been set at 50 BTC, with the assurance that the highest bidder will exclusively own the acquired data.

Rhysida has issued a fervent call to action on their leak site, urging interested parties to seize the limited time before the full data set goes public. The cybercriminals have emphasized not only the exclusivity and significance of the data but also the gravity of the situation. With an ominous seven-day countdown looming, the gaming and Bitcoin community fervently awaits a resolution that not only preserves the integrity of Marvel’s Wolverine game but also holds the perpetrators accountable for their reprehensible actions.

It is pertinent to note that Insomniac Games has yet to release an official statement concerning the cyber attack and subsequent ransom demand.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin (BTC), the premier cryptocurrency in the market, is trading at $41,300. Its recent price fluctuations coupled with a 1.3% decline over the past 24 hours have added to the cryptocurrency’s overall drop of 1.9% over the previous seven days.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this research report is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or investment advice. The NFT and cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, and readers should conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.