Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) is poised to be one of the most anticipated game launches in history. But alongside the excitement, the game is also heading into a more tightly regulated online environment — particularly in the UK, where the Online Safety Act is changing the rules for how games interact with underage players.
Study Reveals: Most GTA Players Started Before Age 18
While GTA has always been rated PEGI 18+, new data shows that the majority of its players didn’t wait until adulthood to dive into the series. According to a 2023 YouGov poll cited by The Telegraph’s Matthew Field:
- 2% of players started before age 7
- 18% started between ages 7–11
- 36% between 12–15
- 15% between 16–17
This adds up to a staggering 71% of players who first played GTA while underage often introduced by older friends, siblings, or even parents who disregarded the age restrictions.
Why This Matters for GTA 6
With the upcoming launch of GTA 6, this data has reignited several key debates and regulatory challenges surrounding underage gaming and online safety.
1. Regulatory Pressure Under the Online Safety Act
Campaigners argue the figures are proof that age verification needs to be taken more seriously. Under the UK’s Online Safety Act, gaming companies are required to protect minors from exposure to content involving “serious violence” or other harmful themes — categories GTA Online certainly touches on.
Because of the game’s voice chat, messaging, and user-generated content, Rockstar may be forced to implement stricter systems to verify players’ ages before granting access to certain online features.
2. The Role of Parents vs. Developers
The age gap between the game’s rating and actual user base has reignited the parental responsibility debate. While some believe it’s the duty of parents to enforce age ratings, others argue that developers like Rockstar should implement better age restriction tools to block underage access.
3. Tax Breaks and Policy Contradictions
Adding fuel to the fire, it’s been revealed that Rockstar Games UK has received over £350 million in tax relief from the UK government since 2020 to support game development. Critics point out the contradiction: public funding has supported a franchise largely consumed by children, despite its adult content. This inconsistency is drawing scrutiny from policymakers.
Rockstar Prepping Age Checks for GTA Online
It seems Rockstar is already taking steps to comply. According to well-known GTA leaker Tez2, the studio is working on an age verification system for GTA Online. Leaked in-game files show warning messages informing players that certain features may be blocked unless they verify their age.
Although global rollout details are unclear, the UK is reportedly the first region set to be affected by the new age checks.
Payment Platforms Are Watching, Too
Complicating matters further, some financial institutions are clamping down on adult-themed games. Companies like Visa and Mastercard have allegedly pressured platforms like Steam and itch.io to distance themselves from titles with mature or controversial content.
According to ZOOM Platform, a digital game retailer, games like Grand Theft Auto, Duke Nukem, and Saints Row have been mentioned in conversations about potential content restrictions. While there’s no direct threat to GTA 6 at the moment, the pressure adds another layer of complexity to its online and retail prospects.
Bright Spots: International Markets Show Openness
Despite regulatory hurdles in the UK and scrutiny in the financial space, there is some positive news. Saudi Arabia and the UAE recently approved GTA 5 for release, albeit with a strict 21+ rating. Early reports suggest that GTA 6 could launch in these markets without significant obstacles, showing that Rockstar still has opportunities to expand globally.
Final Thoughts
GTA 6 is entering a gaming landscape very different from when its predecessors launched. While Rockstar has historically pushed boundaries, the studio now faces real-world challenges ranging from regulatory compliance to parental concerns and financial gatekeeping. As the industry evolves, so too must Rockstar — and GTA 6 could become a case study in how mature-rated games adapt to a new era of digital accountability.
