GTA 6 risks censorship for adult content on release date after harsh age rating

With the GTA 6 release date approaching, the title has received age ratings in most markets. Japan was the latest to review the Xbox and PS5 game, issuing the harshest CERO Z classification. Even so, the absence of adult content and drug labels may indicate Rockstar submitted a censored version.

The verdict is in

The Japanese GameSpark discovered the rating on the Xbox and PlayStation Store. Since the October 15th launch trailer didn't display the classification, this was a recent development. CERO Z instructs buyers that a game is suitable for players aged 18 and older. Yet explanations for this designation can differ.

The GTA 6 age rating warns about “Violence” and “Crime.” That’s not surprising given its theme, but conspicuously absent are labels for nudity, sex, and drugs. Rockstar reveals adult content is present on its website, and trailers show glimpses of an intimate Jason and Lucia. Meanwhile, a leaked European PEGI 18 description hinted that characters can use cocaine on demand.

CERO Z doesn’t guarantee a censored game will ship in Japan on or after the expected release date. Still, GTA 5 suggests these players could see an altered cut. Another CERO Z title, it launched in Japan later than in North America and most other regions. The reasons for the delay were never announced.

When GTA 5 finally debuted, fans realized scenes were missing. A sexual encounter involving Trevor was deleted, while nudity of strippers and prostitutes was not as visible. However, except for a torture mission, plenty of violence survived.

Where the Rockstar project is most at risk

GTA 6 age ratings in other parts of the world could potentially signal censorship. Australia’s classification board rendered a Restricted R 18+ verdict for drugs and various adult content. The previous Grand Theft Auto avoided revisions in the country, but earlier entries in the series were not so lucky.

The results in the majority of nations are also similar to GTA 5. In North America, the ESRB again gave the Xbox and PS5 versions a Mature 17+ tag. So far, Rockstar has not confirmed plans to make edits for any region.