GTA 6 Ban in Russia?
As anticipation builds for the 2026 release of GTA 6, a potential obstacle has emerged in one of the world’s largest markets. A prominent figure within a major Russian cultural organization has called for the game to be banned or heavily censored for release in Russia, reigniting a familiar debate about video games and societal values.
The call was made by Mikhail Ivanov, deputy chairman of the World Russian Peoples Council. In a statement reported by Russian media, Ivanov argued that the upcoming game contains “destructive and vulgar content” unacceptable to the “moral health” of Russian society. He specifically cited the reported inclusion of “scenes of male striptease” as a violation of “traditional spiritual values.”
This criticism places the game, which is rated for adults, within a long-standing global debate about the influence of media. The argument that violent or sexually suggestive content in games can corrupt younger players has been a recurring theme for decades, often surfacing around major releases from western studios.
The geographical context is significant. While Russia spans Europe and Asia, approximately 75% of its population lives in the European portion. A ban would therefore block access for a massive European player base, representing a substantial commercial market for publisher Take-Two Interactive.
Ivanov’s statement proposed two solutions: either impose strict legal restrictions on the game’s distribution in Russia or force Rockstar Games to release a specially edited version for the Russian market, stripped of the cited content. Notably, the critique focused solely on male adult entertainment, with no mention of its female counterpart, which has been present in earlier series entries.
For Rockstar Games, this presents a complex challenge. The studio has a history of resisting content cuts for specific regions, valuing the integrity of its vision. However, the Russian market is substantial. The decision may hinge on whether Ivanov’s call gains official traction with Russian government authorities, who have previously imposed restrictions on other media forms.
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Industry observers note that such scenes, like similar content in Grand Theft Auto V, are likely optional within the game’s world, accessible only to players who seek them out in an 18-rated experience. The outcome remains uncertain and will be a test of Rockstar’s stance on censorship versus market access.
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled for release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Whether it launches in Russia in its original form will be a developing story in the months ahead.