After years of anticipation, Grand Theft Auto 5 is reportedly set to arrive in Saudi Arabia.
In 2008, the Associated Press claimed that the Saudi Arabian government banned 47 video games following allegations that two children were driven to kill themselves after playing an online game. The list included Grand Theft Auto 5, Assassin’s Creed 2, and The Witcher. However, GamesIndustryBiz later reported that the news story was “almost entirely false,” as the Saudi General Commission for Audio-Visual Media stepped forward and denied the claim.
The games were still restricted from sales, but the bans were reportedly due to depictions of violence, drug use, and explicit sexual content. After seven years of not having the game available, GTA 5 is reportedly finally leaving the restricted list.
Grand Theft Auto 5 Set to Release in Saudi Arabia
Reliable Grand Theft Auto leaker Ben reported, “Grand Theft Auto 5 will be releasing in Saudi Arabia this month after it was banned in July 2018. The game will have a 21+ rating.”
Ben also claimed that lifting this ban improves the odds of Grand Theft Auto 6 releasing in Saudi Arabia “without push back,” but there will most likely be a 21+ rating. For comparison, Grand Theft Auto 5 received an M (Mature) rating in the United States, indicating that the game is intended for players aged 17 and older.
The report did not specify when the game will be released, but fans can expect it sometime during July. What are your thoughts on Grand Theft Auto 5? Let us know on the Insider Gaming Forums.
In other gaming news, Bethesda cancelled funding for several unannounced projects, and MindsEye will be “relaunched” as the CEO blames “saboteurs.”
