GTA V Expands to 2 New Countries After 12 Years
▼ Summary
– Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online will officially launch in Saudi Arabia and the UAE on July 17, 2024, after previously being unavailable.
– Both games received a 21+ age rating in Saudi Arabia, stricter than most other regions and similar to the ESRB’s Adults Only rating.
– Players in these countries previously relied on workarounds like importing physical copies or using foreign accounts to access the game.
– The official release means gamers can now purchase and play GTA V and its online mode legally on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
– This development raises hopes that GTA 6 may also launch in the region without delays when it releases globally in 2026.
After more than a decade, Grand Theft Auto V is finally making its official debut in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant expansion for Rockstar Games’ blockbuster title. The long-awaited release comes just months before the anticipated launch of GTA 6, potentially signaling smoother regional availability for the next installment.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Media Regulation recently announced via Twitter that both GTA V and its online counterpart have received official ratings, clearing the way for their July 17 launch. PlayStation Middle East confirmed simultaneous availability in the UAE, with both versions carrying a strict 21+ age restriction, a classification more stringent than most international ratings and comparable to the ESRB’s Adults Only designation.
This development eliminates the need for workarounds that players previously relied on, such as importing physical copies or manipulating regional account settings to access the game. For the first time, legal digital and physical purchases will be available across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms in both countries.
The timing holds particular significance as Rockstar prepares to launch GTA 6 in 2025. The successful rating and release of GTA V in these markets suggests potential regulatory approval pathways for the upcoming sequel, possibly avoiding the lengthy delays that kept its predecessor unavailable for twelve years. While the recent delay pushed GTA 6’s global launch to 2025, this regional breakthrough offers hope for simultaneous access in Middle Eastern markets.
(Source: Kotaku)
