GTA Online Set To Become Unplayable For Millions Ahead Of GTA 6 Launch
Rockstar Games is preparing to implement mandatory age verification in GTA Online, a move that could lock out millions of players worldwide. According to leaks from trusted dataminer Tez2, the system – driven by the UK’s new Online Safety Act and similar EU laws – will require ID confirmation to access core features, signaling a seismic shift for online gaming ahead of GTA 6’s release.
The Regulatory Domino Effect
The UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA) now forces websites and apps hosting adult content to verify users’ ages via credit card scans or selfies. As reported by TechRadar, this has inspired similar legislation in:
- 🇩🇰 Denmark
- 🇪🇸 Spain
- 🇬🇷 Greece
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🇮🇹 Italy
These laws classify mature-rated games like GTA Online as “adult content,” requiring platforms to enforce strict age gates.
Rockstar’s Response
Per Tez2’s findings (via ComicBook):
- Age assurance checks will roll out regionally “in the near future”
- Players may need to verify age to access:
• Text/voice chat
• Phone messaging systems
• Snapmatic photo sharing - Full game access could be restricted for unverified accounts
The system will likely extend to GTA 6 Online at launch.
Why Millions Could Lose Access
GTA Online’s player base includes:
- Under-18s: Estimated 30-40% of current players (based on vocal chat activity)
- Privacy-concerned adults: Those unwilling to share ID with third-party services
With fines up to £18 million for non-compliance, Rockstar has little choice but to enforce checks.
Community Reactions: Silver Linings?
While privacy advocates criticize the laws, some players see upsides:
“No offence, kids, but I’m a grown man. If I wanted to play with kids, I’d download Roblox.”
“This might finally purge toxic voice chats and griefing squads.”
Others fear fragmented access, VPN reliance, and data security risks.
Also, Read
- GTA 6 Pricing Leak Sparks Fan Debate – £110 Premium Edition & Delay Fears Surface
- GTA 6 Placeholder Price Appears on CDKeys: CA$117.09 for Unconfirmed PC Version
- GTA 6 May Face Second Delay: Leaker Suggests September 2026 Release
The GTA 6 Factor
With GTA 6 targeting a May 2026 release, its online component will launch under these regulations. Rockstar’s challenge: balance legal compliance with player retention in gaming’s most anticipated title.