GTA Parody Returns to Steam After Sony Takedown

The creators of the controversial Grand Theft Auto 6 parody, Grand Taking Ages, have successfully launched the game on Steam after its removal from the PlayStation Store. Initially released on PlayStation with a May 2025 release date, the game, a parody management simulator about running a game development studio, was quickly pulled by Sony.

Developer Violarte made significant changes to secure Steam approval. These included removing the "VI" from the title, redesigning the logo, and updating descriptions and visuals to clearly distinguish it from Rockstar's GTA 6. While the updated art still bears resemblance to GTA's style, it's a less direct imitation.

Despite using generative AI for voiceovers (as disclosed on the Steam page, complying with Steam's AI guidelines), the game remains on Steam. The new Steam page description reads:

Coming Soon Since Forever! Start your game dev journey in mom's garage! Battle angry fans, dodge ruthless journalists, and perfect the art of "creative" deadlines. Survive on pizza and energy drinks while building your dream studio into... a slightly better garage!

Violarte employed a different strategy with Valve, engaging with their team beforehand to ensure alignment with their guidelines. They cite other projects like Grand Theft Hamlet as examples of acceptable GTA parodies.

Violarte has now requested reinstatement on the PlayStation Store, highlighting the Steam approval as evidence of the game's revised compliance. The incident raises questions about Sony's curation process, contrasting it with Steam's more open approach, which often includes games utilizing generative AI.

The real GTA 6 is slated for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in Fall 2025.