- Key Update: A Russian lawmaker is urging authorities to censor or block GTA 6 in Russia unless Rockstar releases a modified version.
- Last Update: January 20, 2026
- Russian official Mikhail Ivanov (World Russian People’s Council / Bryansk Regional Duma) claims GTA 6 contains “immoral” content and wants restrictions.
- Ivanov specifically referenced rumored male striptease / strip club content, though Rockstar has not confirmed these details.
- Russia is pushing for either a Russia-specific censored edition or a potential distribution block of GTA 6.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is widely viewed as one of the biggest upcoming video game releases in modern history, with anticipation at a record high after the long-running success of Grand Theft Auto V and Rockstar’s reputation for massive open-world storytelling.
However, as hype builds toward launch, GTA 6 is already becoming a political flashpoint in Russia, where officials are now warning that the game could be blocked from sale unless Rockstar agrees to release an altered version that removes content Russian lawmakers label “immoral.”
The situation highlights a wider clash between Rockstar’s boundary-pushing identity and a government climate that’s increasingly focused on restricting culture, especially explicit or adult content.
Who Is Calling for GTA 6 to Be Banned or Censored in Russia?
The public push to censor or restrict GTA 6 reportedly comes from Mikhail Ivanov, who has been identified as the deputy chairman of the World Russian People’s Council as well as a deputy in the Bryansk Regional Duma.
In comments carried by Russian outlet NEWS.ru, Ivanov described the Grand Theft Auto series as more than just entertainment, framing it as a powerful “tool of influence” that can shape how young people view morality, society, and behavior.
He believes the franchise is particularly risky because its mainstream appeal amplifies its messaging, which he says frequently leans into vulgarity, permissiveness, and moral deterioration.
What Content in GTA 6 Is Russia Objecting To?
At the center of Ivanov’s criticism is the claim that GTA 6 will contain sexually explicit content that clashes directly with what he called traditional norms and spiritual values.
He specifically highlighted rumored or leaked references to male strip club content, describing such scenes as an intentional attempt by Rockstar to include “destructive” and “vulgar” material.
The most controversial element cited in the reports is the supposed inclusion of male striptease scenes, which Ivanov treated as a line Rockstar should not cross if it expects to distribute the game inside Russia.
He also argued that permitting that kind of content could “corrupt” younger audiences, suggesting the game’s widespread popularity could be socially damaging. A major detail here is that Rockstar hasn’t officially verified the content being criticized.
In fact, some reporting suggests the concern may have grown out of fan speculation rather than any confirmed story beats, with attention largely centered on a “Ladies Night” poster featured in promo material.
Even so, the controversy is not really only about one possible strip club reference. It is about GTA’s wider reputation, and Ivanov appears to be using the rumored adult material as an example of what he believes the game will include overall.
What Does Russia Want Rockstar to Do?
Ivanov’s demands reportedly went beyond criticism, as he urged authorities to take decisive action.
He proposed two outcomes: either the Russian government should impose strict legal restrictions preventing GTA 6 from being distributed, or Rockstar and Take-Two should be pressured into creating a Russia-specific “special version” that removes anything authorities deem inappropriate.
Essentially, the message is simple: release a censored edition or risk not being allowed to release at all.
He even framed it as a civic responsibility to protect children from what he described as “poison,” warning against spending money on media that undermines social foundations under the guise of entertainment.
Importantly, this type of discussion is not happening in a vacuum. In gaming, content restrictions are often applied differently depending on region, and publishers regularly face demands to edit material to comply with local standards.
That context is a major reason this story is being taken seriously, as it raises a broader question about whether Rockstar might be willing to adjust content to avoid distribution headaches and maximize sales worldwide.
And while Rockstar is known for provocation, the company does have a history of censorship and editing in certain markets when required.
Past GTA releases have seen regional differences, including versions with reduced gore or violence and altered content to fit legal or cultural rules.
Some accounts point to changes made in earlier games, including heavy edits in certain European releases and specific content removed or muted in other regions.
This precedent matters, because it suggests Rockstar is not completely opposed to censorship if the alternative is a disrupted launch, legal action, or losing access to a market.
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