Even before the official launch of its new instalment, GTA 6, the world-popular video game series Grand Theft Auto (GTA) seems to be in danger of being banned or heavily regulated in some countries.
In several countries, the violence, crime and mature themes of the game are the reasons for concerns over the playing of the game especially by young people.
Tajikistan has officially stated that it will continue to ban the game.
According to media reports, GTA 6 is expected to be officially released on November 19, 2026. Some are however, already taking a firm stance against the franchise.
The most recent backlash has been from Tajikistan, a Central Asian nation that said the ban on the GTA series will stay in effect.
Tajik authorities say games like GTA prominently feature theft, murder and other criminal activities, which can have negative effects on young players.
Read more: GTA 6 could cost up to Rs64,000 in Pakistan
The government also banned a number of other video games, such as GTA and Counter-Strike, in 2024.
Tajik authorities claim these games are “incompatible” with national values and could promote crime among the youth.
Moreover, Thailand is another country where the GTA series has been banned throughout the country since 2008.
The ruling came after a criminal occurrence which has been reportedly connected to the influence of the game.
GTA 6 has already become the bestselling of all time, based only on pre-orders. However, considering it is estimated that the budget of the game will be $2 billion, these bans might be worrying for the developing company Rockstar.
The game might become more expensive than Burj Khalifa.
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Other countries that have banned GTA 6 include China, Russia, Taiwan, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon and Oman.
Also read: GTA 6 reportedly more expensive than building Burj Khalifa
