Authorities warn that video game promotes violence and criminal behavior
Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise game developer Take Two Interactive has faced a major setback ahead of the long-awaited release of GTA 6. In a move that shocked the global gaming community, Tajikistan officially banned the entire GTA franchise months before its release on November 19, 2026.
Authorities in the Central Asian nation maintain that the game promotes violence, theft, murder and criminal behavior. Since the game is popular among young people, authorities fear that it may negatively influence young people.
Tajikistan imposed a ban on several video games in 2024, including Counter-Strike and GTA. Interior Ministry officials warned that the content of these games goes against national values and could encourage crime.
There are no signs that the government may consider lifting the ban on GTA 6 as it nears its release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox X/S.
Tajikistan is not the only country where the game franchise faces restrictions, Thailand has maintained a complete ban on all versions of the video game since 2008, after a high-profile criminal case was linked to the game.
Malaysia has also placed restrictions on violent titles like GTA. In other countries, the approach is more nuanced, as Germany and Australia have historically required censored or heavily edited versions, while several Middle Eastern nations (including parts of the Gulf region) often block or heavily regulate games with adult content involving crime, drugs, or explicit themes.
