I first caught wind of the story when GTA 6 fans began buzzing about it across a range of online communities. Gamers in Australia and New Zealand, in particular, expressed worry that Rockstar’s next open‑world masterpiece could face the same regulatory hurdles that plagued Fallout or even trigger a ban, much like the fate of Halloween: The Game.
Compounding those fears, last month Rockstar pulled Australian players from GTA Online’s casino after a new set of gambling regulations came into force. The move has left many in the region uneasy, fearing that Rockstar might be unable to sell the forthcoming title in their country.
In practice, it seems unlikely that GTA 6 will be stripped of a rating or outright banned. Grand Theft Auto 5 launched in Australia with the country’s most restrictive R18+ classification, largely because of its drug references. Given the sheer scale of the upcoming title, Rockstar will probably secure an R18+ rating rather than face a ban.
Kotaku has reached out to Rockstar Games for comment, but the studio’s global release window remains unchanged: GTA 6 is slated for launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on November 19.
By contrast, Halloween: The Game will not see a release in Australia or New Zealand this September.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was Halloween: The Game banned in Australia and New Zealand?
Halloween: The Game was banned in Australia and New Zealand because it contained content that violated the countries' strict R18+ rating guidelines, particularly drug references and other mature themes that the Australian Classification Board deemed unacceptable for release.
Will GTA 6 be released in Australia and New Zealand despite regulatory concerns?
Yes, Rockstar Games plans to release GTA 6 in Australia and New Zealand on the scheduled launch date of November 19. While there are regulatory concerns, the studio is confident it can secure an R18+ rating rather than face a ban, similar to how GTA 5 was released under that classification.
How will Rockstar handle rating issues for GTA 6 in Australia?
Rockstar will likely pursue an R18+ rating for GTA 6 in Australia, following the precedent set by GTA 5. By meeting the classification board's requirements for drug references and mature content, the game should avoid a ban and remain available to Australian players.
News Source: Kotaku
Comments
Be the first to comment.