GTA 6 controversy: Record-breaking game raises concerns over violence and children’s gaming habits

The upcoming launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) has generated enormous excitement among gamers worldwide, but the franchise’s popularity has also renewed concerns about violent content in video games and its possible impact on children. With millions of players eagerly awaiting its release, the game has once again brought the debate over gaming addiction, aggressive behaviour and parental responsibility into focus.

In today’s episode of DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News, conducted a detailed analysis of GTA 6’s popularity, the controversies surrounding the franchise and concerns over the influence of violent video games on young minds.

GTA 6: 13-year wait fuels global excitement

GTA, short for Grand Theft Auto, is among the world’s most popular video game franchises. Its latest edition, GTA 6, is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, after a gap of nearly 13 years since the previous full version.

The game features a virtual city inspired by Miami, with two central characters, Jason and Lucia, who become involved in the criminal world and a major conspiracy. Its open-world format allows players to explore the city freely, drive vehicles, enter buildings and undertake different missions.

The scale of anticipation is reflected in the game’s trailer viewership. The first trailer, released in December 2023, received 93 million views within 24 hours, setting a record for the most views of a non-music video on YouTube during that period. It has since crossed 300 million views.

The second trailer, released in May 2025, attracted 180 million views, while the third trailer, released a month ago, recorded 80 million views within a month.

Advance orders and leave applications surge

The excitement has also translated into strong advance demand. More than 10 million people have reportedly pre-booked GTA 6, generating US$1 billion, or around Rs 10,000 crore, through advance orders.

The game is being offered in two editions: the Ultimate Edition, priced at Rs 10,000, and the Standard Edition, priced at Rs 8,000. Around 80 per cent of buyers have reportedly opted for the more expensive version.

Its November 19 release has also triggered an unusual trend among employees. Compared with November 19, 2025, more than 32 per cent additional full-time employees have applied for leave on the same date in 2026.

The biggest increase has been recorded among people aged between 20 and 40, with leave applications from this group rising by nearly 300 per cent.

The previous full edition was released 13 years ago, a long wait that has contributed to the anticipation surrounding the new game. Its estimated development cost is around Rs 15,000 crore, exceeding the Rs 14,000 crore spent on constructing the Burj Khalifa. By comparison, the film ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ cost approximately Rs 4,500 crore to produce.

GTA 6 is expected to generate around Rs 30,000 crore in its first week of release.

GTA faces bans and global controversy

Despite its popularity, the franchise has repeatedly faced criticism over its violent content. A bonus version of the latest game released on PlayStation ahead of the main launch has reportedly been banned in eight countries: Bahrain, China, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Russia and Taiwan.

Tajikistan had already imposed a complete ban on all versions of the game two years ago.

The controversy largely centres on the freedom given to players to engage in criminal activities within the virtual world. These include reckless driving, running over pedestrians, using weapons, attacking people, robbery, murder and confrontations with police. The game also depicts gang wars, drug use, obscene language and graphic scenes involving the cutting and mutilation of body parts.

Critics have raised concerns that repeated exposure to such content could influence the behaviour of young players.

Three US cases that brought gaming violence into focus

Several real-life incidents have been cited in discussions about the possible connection between violent video games and aggressive behaviour.

In 2003, David Moore snatched a police officer’s weapon while in police custody and attacked officers, killing three policemen. He was sentenced to death for the killings. Subsequently, the accused’s family and the families of those killed filed a case against the game’s makers.

In another incident that year, two brothers, aged 16 and 14, opened fire on a moving vehicle in Tennessee, US, killing one person. During questioning, they said they had carried out a similar task in GTA 3.

In 2006, a child in New Mexico, US, killed his father, stepmother and stepsister. It was reported that the boy responsible for the shootings spent hours playing GTA.

However, allegations against the game’s makers could not be established in any of these three cases.

India’s gaming market and the rise of violent games

The debate has particular relevance for India, where online gaming has become a significant part of the digital economy.

The sector generated more than Rs 23,000 crore in revenue in 2024, with estimates suggesting that the market could cross Rs 30,000 crore by 2027.

Free Fire ranks first in India in terms of revenue, followed by BGMI. Both games involve players using weapons to shoot opponents and eliminate them from the game while trying to survive until the end. Their format is similar to PUBG, which was banned in India in 2020.

The growing popularity of such games has raised questions about the kind of content children are exposed to and how much time they spend playing them.

Gaming disorder and its impact on children

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised severe gaming addiction as Gaming Disorder. One research study found that three out of every 100 children who play games suffer from the condition.

According to the WHO, children with Gaming Disorder lose control over their gaming habits and begin prioritising games over their studies, families and friends.

Concerns about gaming addiction have also been linked to several incidents in India.

In June 2022, a boy in Lucknow shot his mother after she stopped him from playing online games. In October 2024, a Class 10 student in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, died by suicide after his father reprimanded him for playing PUBG.

In May this year, a 16-year-old boy also died by suicide after his family took away his phone because of his gaming addiction.

These incidents have added to concerns about the effects of excessive gaming and the challenges faced by families trying to regulate children’s screen time.

Who is responsible for protecting children?

The excitement surrounding GTA 6 reflects the enormous influence of the global gaming industry. At the same time, concerns over violent content and gaming addiction have renewed questions about the responsibility of parents, gaming companies and regulatory agencies.

While parents are often advised to keep children away from violent games, the debate also extends to the agencies that allow such titles to be released in the country.

The central question remains whether children should have unrestricted access to games featuring violence and criminal activity, and whether stricter scrutiny is needed before such games enter the market.