Grand Theft Auto VI is shaping up to be one of the biggest game launches in recent years, but players in several countries may face difficulties accessing the title when it arrives. Information spotted on the PlayStation Store product page suggests that GTA VI could be restricted or unavailable in a number of regions, continuing a trend that has followed the Grand Theft Auto franchise for decades.
The information comes from a FAQ section related to a free month of GTA+, Rockstar Games’ subscription service. The eligibility section lists several countries where the promotion is not available, which has led many players to believe that GTA VI itself may also face regional restrictions in those markets.
The countries listed include:
- Bahrain
- China
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- Russian Federation
- Taiwan
While Rockstar Games and Sony have not officially announced country-specific bans for GTA VI, the appearance of these regions in the PlayStation Store FAQ has raised questions about the game’s availability. Players in those countries may find it difficult to purchase physical copies through local retailers if the restrictions remain in place when the game launches.
However, this does not necessarily mean players will be completely unable to access GTA VI. In many cases, gamers can import physical copies from other regions or purchase digital versions through accounts registered in supported countries. Similar methods have been used in the past for titles that faced regional sales restrictions.
The exact reason behind the reported restrictions remains unknown. Historically, Grand Theft Auto games have faced scrutiny because of mature content, including violence, criminal activity, gambling mechanics, alcohol use, and sexual themes. Many countries maintain regulations that limit or prohibit the sale of entertainment products containing such content.
Rockstar has previously encountered similar issues with GTA Online. In 2019, access to the Diamond Casino feature was blocked in several countries due to local gambling laws. As GTA VI approaches its release date, more information regarding regional availability is expected to emerge from Rockstar Games and local regulatory authorities.
For now, the PlayStation Store FAQ provides the clearest indication that GTA VI may not be officially available in every market at launch, despite the enormous anticipation surrounding Rockstar’s next open-world blockbuster.
