DUSHANBE, Tajikistan: The GTA ban in Tajikistan remains in effect months before “GTA 6” is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026.
Authorities in the Central Asian country have cited violence, theft, murder and criminal behaviour in the Grand Theft Auto franchise as reasons for the restriction.
Tajikistan’s Interior Ministry said in 2024 that computer clubs must stop distributing Grand Theft Auto and Counter-Strike.
The ministry said the games contained scenes of violence, murder and robbery, according to local reports citing its statement.
The authorities feared the games could influence young players because of their popularity among youth.
“GTA 6,” developed by Rockstar Games and published by Take-Two Interactive, is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Tajikistan has shown no sign of lifting the restriction before the new title’s release. Thailand has maintained a full ban on Grand Theft Auto titles since 2008.
Read: GTA 6 Disc Missing as Boxed Edition Uses Download Code
Malaysia has also restricted violent games such as Grand Theft Auto, while Germany and Australia have previously required edited versions of mature titles.
