GTA VI rated M and PEGI 18, Australian listing names sex scenes
Grand Theft Auto VI has been rated M by the ESRB and 18 by PEGI. In Australia and New Zealand, the PlayStation Store rating lists "sex scenes".
Grand Theft Auto VI now has its official age ratings. The ESRB has rated it M for Mature and PEGI has given it PEGI 18. According to IGN, both ratings now appear on the game's store pages.
The ESRB lists seven content descriptors: blood and gore, intense violence, mature humor, nudity, strong language, strong sexual content, and use of drugs and alcohol. Few people expected a shorter list.
The rating also carries an "in-game purchases" notice. Earlier this summer Rockstar said there are "no monetizations in this game". IGN thinks the label most likely refers to upgrading from the standard edition to the Ultimate Edition. That is IGN's reading, and Rockstar hasn't commented on it.
The more specific wording comes from Australia and New Zealand. On the PlayStation Store pages there, the game's Restricted 18+ rating names "Sex Scenes". GamesRadar+ says users on the GTA subreddit spotted it first. The UK and US listings don't use the phrase.
For comparison, the store description for GTA V says only "Sex", even though that game has at least one sex scene, between Trevor and Johnny Klebitz's girlfriend. IGN says it is unclear whether the ratings boards have changed their wording or whether GTA VI has more detailed scripted sex scenes. GamesRadar+ adds that in Australia, GTA: The Trilogy is listed with "Sexual Activity Related To Incentives And Rewards". The New Zealand listing doesn't mention it.
Eurogamer goes further and says GTA VI may be the first game in the series with full sex scenes, based on the Australian and New Zealand rating description.
What those scenes involve is still guesswork. IGN speculates they could be tied to the romantic relationship between Jason and Lucia, since the trailers have already shown intimate moments between the two. Rockstar hasn't confirmed this.
In other news, IGN reports that Rockstar has put up an ad on top of the Miami Heat's arena and has started placing ads in New York. The online mode is still a blank: Rockstar hasn't said anything about it, it isn't expected at launch, and it is rumored for 2027.
The ESRB hasn't posted its detailed content breakdown yet. Once it does, it may tell us more about the sexual content and the violence.
