GTA 6 Gets Adult Rating? Know Who Can Play The Game

A GTA 6 adult rating has surfaced across several regional storefronts, but age ratings like this function more as a content warning. However, they do not serve as actual barriers for anyone.
GTA 6 Adult Game 18+
Whether it's PEGI, ESRB, or a since-deleted Australian X 18+ icon, the GTA 6 18+ rating is not really directed at gamers.PlayStation Europe Facebook/Rockstar Games
Updated on:Ā 

GTA 6 launch is around the corner and you would be wondering, who can actually play the game. Is there a bar on anyone playing GTA 6 considering some of the X-rated and violence-filled material that may be on the game? Turns out, GTA 6, the internet's most anticipated game may come with an adult rating.Yes, this one's strictly for grown-ups, at least on paper. As GTA 6 pre-orders have already revealed bits and pieces, a fresh round of PlayStation Store ads has now leaked region-specific age ratings for the PS5 version, and most of them line up with what GTA 5 already taught us. 

What The 18+ Label On GTA 6 May Mean

If you're a parent eyeing the calendar for November 19 with a mix of excitement and dread, here's the reality check: a PEGI 18 rating is expected across much of Europe and the UK, which technically means retailers shouldn't be selling it to anyone under 18. 

Mexico's rating board has gone with an adults-only "D," while Saudi Arabia and the UAE have pushed the bar even higher, restricting it to those 21 and up. 

Xbox's own storefront currently shows a pending "Likely Mature 17+".

According to Entertainment Software Association (ESRB), "Grand Theft Auto VI is rated M for Mature 17+." Why is that? ESRB reveals many reasons: "Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, and Use of Drugs and Alcohol."

The Australia Mix-Up Nobody Saw Coming

The one leak that actually raised eyebrows was an X 18+ tag briefly shown for Australia. This rating is reserved for adult films. GTA 5 actually got a R 18+ rating. 

That ad has since vanished, likely pointing to an error, but Australia has history of slapping adult-like ratings on games: GTA 3 was delayed in the region back in 2001 over failing to meet the MA 15+ bar, forcing Rockstar to tweak content involving prostitutes just to get it out the door. GTA 4 saw similar edits, while GTA 5 sailed through uncut.

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