You Won't Be Able To Play GTA 6 Unless You Meet This One Requirement

As Rockstar Games prepares to release "Grand Theft Auto VI," the first mainline installment in the series in 13 years, more details about "GTA VI" are coming to light. While Rockstar has kept much about the upcoming game tightly under wraps, players will soon get to explore Vice City and its surrounding areas in the sequel. That said, a specific portion of the population won't be able to play the console — and we're not talking about those who don't have the right console for "Grand Theft Auto VI." 

While it may not come as a surprise to fans of the franchise, "GTA 6" doesn't pull its punches when it comes to its graphic content. For any savvy fan, it's a no-brainer that "Grand Theft Auto VI" was always going to receive a M-rating from the ESRB for mature content. Though this doesn't necessarily ban minors from purchasing the title, many retailers have internal policies barring the sale of M-rated games to those under the age of 17. However, several countries have taken a much more restrictive stance with regard to allowing minors to play "Grand Theft Auto VI" than the United States. That adds a new wrinkle to the game's release that American fans might not be aware of.

Here's how some countries are taking a stricter approach to "Grand Theft Auto VI" access because of its content.

This past March, Australia passed online content laws that restrict users from playing certain games, unless they can pass an ID check through government-issued documentation like a driver's license or passport. Furthermore, "Grand Theft Auto VI" has been deemed by the Australian game ratings board to be inappropriate for players under the age of 18. Fortunately, Rockstar already set up an age verification system for "Grand Theft Auto Online" to comply with these regional laws. It's logical to assume this will carry over to "Grand Theft Auto VI," particularly if the game includes online content as expected, but not yet confirmed.

Other countries have taken even harder stances regarding the game. Earlier this year, a Russian government official declared that "GTA 6" is facing a ban in its country if alleged LGBTQ+ content remains in the game. Rockstar has not confirmed that any such content actually exists in the game at this time and the company has suspended sales of its games to Russia since 2022. That makes the proposed Russian "Grand Theft Auto VI" ban a largely performative move, given the country's shoddy history when it comes to LGBTQ+ matters. However, Tajikistan has moved forward with its own ban of the game, feeling its violent content and premise encourages criminal behavior to impressionable players.

But if you're in Australia, prepare for an age verification check when booting up "Grand Theft Auto VI," as long as the country's content laws are in place.