Russia Threatens GTA 6 Ban Over “Immoral” Leaked Content
▼ Summary
– Russia is threatening to ban the release of GTA 6 unless content like male strippers, deemed immoral, is removed.
– This threat was issued by a Russian official who criticized the game as a “dangerous tool of influence” that violates traditional values.
– The official called on developers to release a special version for the Russian market that is cleaned of such content.
– This follows a pattern of Russian politicians criticizing media, including games and movies, for perceived negative impacts.
– It remains unclear if Rockstar will create a toned-down version for specific markets like Russia.
The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI faces a potential ban in Russia, with officials demanding the removal of what they label “immoral content” from the game. This controversy stems from last year’s significant leaks, which included unconfirmed details about gameplay features. A senior Russian political figure has now publicly warned developer Rockstar Games, stating that the inclusion of certain elements, specifically referencing leaked information about male striptease scenes, violates the country’s “traditional spiritual values.”
Mikhail Ivanov, deputy chairman of the World Russian People’s Council, has been vocal in his criticism. He described the long-running Grand Theft Auto franchise as a “dangerous tool of influence” on younger audiences. In a recent interview, he argued that the developers are intentionally incorporating destructive and vulgar material into their product, which he believes is unacceptable for the moral health of society. The alleged planned content involving male strippers was cited as a direct and cynical violation of basic moral norms.
Ivanov’s statements appear to reference the massive 2022 data breach, after which Rockstar officially acknowledged the leak. He connected the admission of such content to the potential corruption of the younger generation. His solution is a direct appeal to the studio: release a specially edited version for the Russian market, cleansed of the objectionable material. This practice, known as localization for cultural sensitivities, is not without precedent in the gaming industry.
Several countries have received altered versions of major titles to comply with local regulations or cultural expectations. For instance, Overwatch 2’s 2023 Pride celebration was not available in multiple Middle Eastern nations. Russian authorities have a history of scrutinizing popular media, having previously criticized animated films like Shrek and Monsters, Inc. for their perceived negative impact on children during a parliamentary discussion.
With the official launch date set for November 2026, Rockstar Games has not indicated whether it will create region-specific versions of GTA VI. The studio is undoubtedly focused on the monumental task of finishing what is projected to be the biggest game launch in history. Whether the company will negotiate with Russian officials or forgo that market entirely remains an open question. As the release window narrows, the industry will be watching closely for any announcements regarding content modifications for international audiences.
(Source: Dexerto)
