GTA 6 Has A Major Twitch Problem, Solution Looks Unsolvable

In an era where censorship is the word on everyone’s lips and Online Safety Acts mean that the younger generation cannot access adult content as easily, fans are worried about what this could mean for Grand Theft Auto VI.

We all remember the infamous torture mission in Grand Theft Auto V, especially as it is still mentioned to this day with fans arguing about whether or not it was necessary to include at all.

However, times have changed since GTA V was launched way back in 2013 which has led some fans to ask how today’s society could reflect in some of Grand Theft Auto’s most heinous acts.

Let us face it, Grand Theft Auto has never been for children even though many of us did in fact play it as children.

With an "M for Mature" (17+ in the US and PEGI 18+ in Europe), it is clear from the beginning that the Rockstar series contains themes that many of us would find disturbing or uncomfortable.

Nevertheless, with streaming on both Twitch, Kick and Youtube also becoming a highly successful venture in recent years, this also begs the question as to how Grand Theft Auto VI will be handled by streamers.

The topic was recently brought up by one user over on r/GTA6.

“How's this game going to be streamable at launch? (Censorship)” They asked.

“Streaming wasn't as popular back when GTA V launched, so most Youtubers would just record and play the game, cutting and censoring parts that were necessary.

I'm interested in streaming the game at launch since I think it's an historic event for gaming, but how can we deal with stuff that YouTube/Twitch won't allow like nudity of certain subjects, if no one knows about what's going to happen during gameplay and story?”

It is true that sites such as Youtube have rather major censorship laws when it comes to paid content, with creators having to censor most expletives and any adult content in fear of being demonetised.

As for Twitch, the official website reads as follows:

“Games are restricted from broadcast if:

• The game violates our Community Guidelines as it applies to hate speech, sex, nudity, gratuitous gore, or extreme violence
• The official ESRB rating is Adults Only.

“Alternate versions of Adults Only titles with an ESRB rating of Mature or lower are permitted, including Mature versions of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.”

In some games, developers have started adding a ‘streamer mode’ which will allow content creators to stream the game but with any adult content censored in some way.

It is unclear if this will be a choice for those who wish to stream Grand Theft Auto VI and so it remains to be seen how the biggest video game launch of all time will be handled when it releases next May.