In the most obvious turn of events, GTA 6 has officially been rated M for Mature by the ESRB, and it will of course include nudity.
Rockstar has added the official GTA 6 notes to the game’s various store pages, giving us a glimpse of what we can expect. If you’ve ever played a GTA game (or really any major Rockstar game other than Bully or Midnight Club), you’ll know that no stone is left unturned when it comes to adult content. There is sex, violence, drugs, alcohol, crime and an excessive amount of foul language. GTA 6 will continue this trend, as the game has been rated for “blood and gore, intense violence, mature humor, nudity, strong language, strong sexual content, drug and alcohol use.”
The UK’s equivalent of the ESRB, PEGI, has issued a similar rating of PEGI 18. We are still waiting for the ESRB to release its more in-depth breakdown, which often provides specific references to scenes and content in games alongside its more general description. These breakdowns hint at certain story elements and gameplay mechanics, so we’ll be able to hear more about the types of sexual content and level of violence when that becomes available. Fans are wondering whether Jason and Lucia will have on-screen sex in GTA 6, for example, so it’s possible that the ESRB’s detailed breakdown will either confirm or squash that speculation.
Rockstar previously got into trouble in the mid-2000s with the release of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, because the game contained an interactive sex mini-game buried in its files. The mini-game was removed from the final game, but modders were able to add it back. Due to “pornographic” content, the ESRB re-rated the game to an AO rating, thus banning it from retailers. This led to a brief recall of the game and increased scrutiny from government officials.
Still, sexual content has found its way into GTA titles in the years since. GTA 4 and 5 allowed players to pick up sex workers and have sex with them in their vehicles. The player had little influence on how this played out, but he certainly pushed some buttons and created his own controversy. At this time, it is unclear what type of sexual content will be present in GTA 6 beyond visits to strip clubs.
Additionally, the ESRB rating mentions “in-game purchases.” Rockstar said earlier this summer that there was “no monetization in this game,” suggesting that there are no microtransactions. However, this likely refers to an upgrade from the standard edition of the game to the Ultimate Edition, which will give players access to additional cosmetics, stores, and missions. As of now, Rockstar hasn’t said a word about GTA 6’s online mode, but it’s not expected to launch alongside the game this year.
Presumably, the online mode will be monetized, just like its predecessor. In GTA 5, players can purchase in-game currency to purchase clothing, vehicles, and properties. Given how much money GTA Online has generated for Rockstar over the years, it’s hard to imagine the new online mode lacking microtransactions when it launches in the future. Currently, the online portion is rumored and speculated to debut in 2027.
GTA 6 is now in its final push towards release, as there are less than 50 days until launch. Rockstar put up billboards in Miami to promote the game, sent goody boxes to influencers, and announced a massive $400 collector’s box, although the latter sparked controversy for not including a copy of the game.
We have extensive coverage of GTA 6 on IGN. Check out IGN’s interview with Rockstar Games, our GTA 6 preview, and a word from GTA 6’s first confirmed voice actor.
Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN’s news team. It covers all things entertainment, including games, movies, and more. You can find him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.
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