It’s a twist that few expected. Several months before its worldwide release, scheduled for November 19, 2026, Grand Theft Auto VI is already in the sights of the Russian authorities. Vice-President of the World Council of Russian Peoples, Mikhail Ivanovhas made an official call for the game to be banned or a redacted version to be put in place.
If this is not the first time that a video game has faced censorship, this request could have significant repercussions. Russia represents the fifth European video game market, and such a measure could force Rockstar Games to review its launch strategy.
“Destructive and vulgar content”: Mikhail Ivanov’s accusations
Mikhail Ivanov, also a member of the Bryansk Regional Duma, does not mince his words. In a statement relayed by NEWS.ruhe states: “The creators of Grand Theft Auto VI deliberately integrate destructive and vulgar content into their game, which is completely unacceptable for public morality.”
He specifically denounces certain elements of the upcoming game: “This includes the planned inclusion of male striptease scenes, a blatant and cynical violation of basic moral norms and traditional spiritual values. Allowing such content amounts to corrupting youth. We must either impose strict legal restrictions on the distribution of these games in Russia, or require publishers to release special versions for our market, purged of any immoral content.”
The shadow of Russian-style censorship
Ivanov’s intervention comes in a context where Russia is increasingly monitoring digital content. In the past, other popular games like Roblox were banned for similar reasons. For his part, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 had seen its “No Russian” level removed in the version distributed in the territory.
Ivanov continues in the same tone: “The popularity of GTA makes it a particularly dangerous tool of influence. We must demonstrate civic responsibility and prevent our children from being exposed to the poison of corruption and laxity under the guise of entertainment.”
Rockstar Games and Take-Two remain silent
For the moment, neither Rockstar Gamesnor its parent company Take-Two Interactive did not react publicly to this request. However, the pressure could intensify as the release date approaches. The studio faces a dilemma: respect the creative integrity of its game or give in to the demands of certain governments. Even if Mikhail Ivanov does not hold direct executive power, his political and religious influence could be significant. One thing is certain: the release of GTA 6 already promises to be eventful in Russia.