Russia Considers Banning Gta 6 Over 'Immoral' Content: What'S Next For Rockstar?

Anticipation Meets Controversy: The GTA 6 Saga

There’s no denying that Grand Theft Auto 6 is one of the most eagerly awaited video games of all time. Following the massive success of its predecessors, GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2, expectations are soaring. Currently slated for a release on November 19, 2026, some speculate the launch could push to 2027.

However, the game's journey to market is hitting a roadblock in Russia. A prominent Russian political figure has raised alarms over the game's content, describing it as "immoral" and a negative influence on youth, threatening its availability in the country.

Russia's Call for Censorship

The spotlight turned to Russia when Mikhail Ivanov, deputy chairman of the World Russian People’s Council, voiced his concerns in a recent interview. Ivanov criticized Rockstar’s inclusion of certain adult scenes, particularly ones involving male strip clubs, which he claims clash with the nation's traditional values and societal norms.

“The creators of GTA VI are deliberately including destructive and vulgar content in their product, which is completely unacceptable to the moral health of society,” Ivanov said.

He urged Rockstar to either remove or modify the content if they wish to release the game in Russia, suggesting a "special version" devoid of what he termed immoral material might be necessary.

Global Implications and Industry Response

Ivanov asserted that other nations have already taken steps to shield their youth from what he describes as entertainment masquerading as corruption. He labeled the franchise's popularity as a "dangerous tool of influence," calling for "civic responsibility" to protect children from exposure to such permissiveness.

In the wider gaming industry, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has weighed in on another debate, asserting that AI won't replace human creativity in making hits like GTA. Meanwhile, GTA 6's production delays have even caught the attention of the Polish parliament, underscoring the game's global impact.