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 ratings for GTA 6 to the various store pages for the game, giving us some insight into what we can expect. If you’ve ever played a GTA game (or really, any major Rockstar game that isn’t Bully or Midnight Club), you’ll know that no stone is left unturned when it comes to adult content. There’s sex, violence, drugs, alcohol, crime, and an excessive amount of coarse language. GTA 6 will continue that trend, as the game has been rated for “blood and gore, intense violence, mature humor, nudity, strong language, strong sexual content, use of drugs and alcohol.”
The UK equivalent of the ESRB, PEGI, has issued a similar rating of PEGI 18. We’re still waiting for the ESRB to post its more in-depth breakdown, which often provides specific references to scenes and content in games alongside its more general description. Those breakdowns hint at certain story elements and gameplay mechanics, so we may hear more about the kinds of sexual content and the level of violence when that becomes available. Fans have been speculating about whether or not Jason and Lucia will have sex on-screen in GTA 6, for example, so it’s possible that the ESRB’s detailed breakdown will confirm or squash that speculation.
Rockstar previously got into trouble back in the mid-2000s with the release of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, as the game had an interactive sex mini-game buried in its files. The mini-game was cut from the final game, but modders were able to add it back in. As a result of the “pornographic” content, the ESRB re-rated the game to an AO rating, effectively banning it from retailers. This led to a brief recall of the game and 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 intercourse with them in their vehicle. The player had minimal input on how this played out, but it certainly pushed buttons and created its own controversy. As of right now, it’s unclear what kind of sexual content will be in GTA 6 beyond visiting strip clubs.
Additionally, the ESRB rating makes mention of “in-game purchases.” Rockstar stated earlier this summer that there are “no monetizations in this game,” which suggests 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 right now, Rockstar hasn’t said a word about GTA 6’s online mode, but it’s not currently expected to launch alongside the game this year.
Presumably, the online mode will be monetized, just like its predecessor. In GTA 5, players can buy 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 toward release, as there is less than 50 days until launch. Rockstar has put up signange in Miami to promote the game, sent out swag boxes to influencers, and announced a massive $400 collector’s set, though the latter attracted controversy for not including a copy of the game.
We’ve got extensive coverage of GTA 6 across IGN. Check out IGN’s interview with Rockstar Games, our GTA 6 preview, and word of the first confirmed GTA 6 voice actor.
Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN’s news team. He covers all things entertainment, including gaming, film, and more. You can find him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.
