2 min read
Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) tops the list of the most anticipated games of 2026. However, millions of gamers in Russia may never play it. The World Russian People’s Council has officially called for a ban on the action-adventure title. They cite “amoral content” as the primary reason. If enforced, this ban would sever Rockstar Games from a potential audience of over 140 million people.
Moral Concerns & “Destructive” Content
Mikhail Ivanov, deputy chair of the Council, issued the call nearly 10 months before the game’s launch. He labelled the unreleased title a “particularly dangerous tool of influence”. According to a Russian news outlet, Ivanov aims to protect Russia’s youth from corruption caused by Western media.
Ivanov criticised the developers directly. He claims Rockstar Games “deliberately agree to include destructive and vulgar content”. The franchise allows players to commit crimes ranging from robbery and arson to mass murder. However, Ivanov took specific aim at the depiction of male striptease. He called this a “direct and cynical violation of basic moral norms and traditional spiritual values”.
While sexual contact between consenting adults is legal in Russia, the country maintains strict restrictions against pro-LGBTQIA+ advocacy. Ivanov’s comments have subsequently raised alarms within the LGBTQIA+ gaming community.
A Long Wait for Fans
Fans have endured a massive gap between mainline titles. Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) originally launched in September 2013. Following confirmed delays, the new projected release date for GTA VI is November 19, 2026. This marks a wait of over 13 years.
The series is historically popular, especially following the transition to a 3D open world in Grand Theft Auto III (GTA III). However, its reputation often attracts political controversy. The franchise has previously faced full bans in Thailand, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Can They Actually Ban GTA VI?
Technically, the World Russian People’s Council lacks the legal authority to enforce a ban. That power lies with Roskomnadzor. This federal agency manages the country’s “Federal List of Extremist Materials”.
Roskomnadzor has acted against games before. In late 2025, they banned access to Roblox over child safety risks. However, the agency traditionally targets books, movies, and websites rather than video games.
Despite this, the Council holds social influence. Ivanov has offered Rockstar a choice. He suggested the developer release a special version “cleared of immoral content” specifically for the Russian market. If Rockstar refuses, they risk losing access to the region entirely.
