As anticipation builds for Grand Theft Auto VI, the next blockbuster from Rockstar Games, the game has become the centre of a growing political controversy in Russia. Senior officials are now publicly calling for GTA 6 to be banned outright or released in a heavily censored version, citing concerns over morality, youth protection, and cultural values.
With Rockstar reportedly entering the final optimisation phase ahead of its planned 2026 launch, the Russian market could face the real possibility of missing out entirely.
Russian Politicians Raise Alarm Over Content
The push for restrictions has been led by Mikhail Ivanov, Deputy Chairman of the World Russian People’s Council and a member of the Bryansk Regional Duma.
Speaking to Russian media, Ivanov accused Rockstar of deliberately including what he described as destructive and vulgar material in GTA 6. His criticism centres on rumours that the game may feature male striptease scenes, which he claims would violate basic moral standards and traditional spiritual values.
According to Ivanov, allowing such content into a game as globally popular as Grand Theft Auto risks influencing young players in harmful ways. He argued that the franchise’s massive reach only amplifies what he sees as its negative cultural impact.
Ban Or Special Censored Version Proposed
Rather than a partial restriction, Ivanov is pushing for an uncompromising solution. He has urged Russian authorities to either block the sale of GTA 6 entirely or require Rockstar to publish a special version tailored specifically for Russia.
This proposed local edition would need to remove any content deemed immoral, ensuring it aligns with national values. Ivanov has suggested that age verification systems alone are not enough, stating that Russia should take a firmer stance than countries that rely purely on parental controls or digital checks.
He also called on consumers to avoid spending money on entertainment products he believes undermine social foundations, framing the debate as a matter of civic responsibility rather than simple entertainment.
Rockstar Still Finalising GTA 6 Development
While the political debate continues, development on GTA 6 appears to be progressing smoothly. Industry insider Tom Henderson recently reported that Rockstar has completed the core content for the game.
According to Henderson, the studio is now focused on polishing performance, fixing bugs, and stress testing stability to ensure a smooth launch without major technical issues. There has been no official comment from Rockstar regarding Russia’s demands or whether a censored version is being considered.
Rockstar’s History With Regional Censorship
Although Rockstar is known for pushing boundaries, it has previously altered GTA releases to comply with regional laws. Earlier titles in the series were edited in countries such as Germany, France, and Japan, with reductions to violence, removal of specific missions, and adjustments to explicit audio or visuals.
This history suggests that a modified release for Russia is not impossible, especially given GTA 6’s status as one of the most anticipated game launches of all time. For Rockstar, ensuring a simultaneous global launch could mean making difficult compromises in certain regions.
What This Means For GTA 6’s Global Launch
If Russian authorities follow through on these demands, GTA 6 could either launch in Russia as a heavily censored edition or be blocked altogether. Either outcome would mark a significant moment for the franchise, highlighting how political pressure and cultural regulation continue to shape major game releases.
For now, Rockstar remains silent, and fans worldwide await further updates as GTA 6 edges closer to release.