Featured Image Credit: Rockstar Games
Topics: GTA, GTA 6, Grand Theft Auto, Rockstar Games
Last Friday saw the UK Online Safety Act (OSA) come into force and with many sites including adult content now needing proof of age, fans are worried that this may drastically change how video games can be accessed.
After years of campaigning, the OSA came into effect just a few days ago and has already had a massive effect on residents of the United Kingdom.
Sites with adult content of any kind now have a legal obligation to ask users for proof of ID and even apps such as Spotify have been hit with the new law.
If sites do not comply with the OSA, they can face fines of up to £18 million.
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So how will this affect the video game industry?
Well, we already know that video game releases come alongside age certification with the likes of Grand Theft Auto VI marketed to those 18-year old and above.
However, we have all found a way around this throughout our childhoods with many of us having played the latest Grand Theft Auto entry years before it was legal to do so.
That being said, the OSA could mean that booting up Grand Theft Auto VI when it is released on 26 May 2026 will see us face an age verification check.
Of course, this has not been confirmed as of yet but it would mean that the highly anticipated Rockstar title could be unplayable for millions under the age of 18 or for those who are not comfortable sharing their ID.
News of this potential issue was recently discussed over on r/unitedkingdom after it was revealed that some game firms are struggling with the new act.
“Oh my f**king god,” one user’s angry comment read.
“If parents don't want their kid to play an 18 rated game before they're 18, then don't buy them the f**king game!
Watch, f**king Labour is going to come for GTA 6 next!”
It is a tough time for U.K. residents with many furious over the OSA but hopefully this won’t affect the gaming industry, which is already under constant fire, too much in the long run.