Talk to your kids about GTA and other adult games now

A new trailer shows that there will hardly be any restraint when it comes to sex and violence in GTA VI. The new edition of the controversial video game will be released next year.

A woman in a black puffer coat stands in front of the entrance to the University of Agder.

GTA is an adult game with an age rating of 18. Niamh Ní Bhroin recommends that parents start talking to their children about the game already now.

(Photo: University of Agder)

Atle Christiansen Communications Adviser

Presented by: University of Agder

Published 8 May 2025 - 00:01

A teaser was already released in December 2024. Now, another one has been released.

The teaser trailer suggests that there will likely be just as much violence and sex in the next version of the video game Grand Theft Auto (GTA).

GTA V was released in 2013. The sixth game will be launched on May 26, 2026.

Before the new version comes out, discussions about morality, values, and the game's depiction of violence and sex are likely to arise. This debate emerges whenever the game developer Rockstar Games releases a trailer or new version of the action-adventure gameGTA.

Groundbreaking and dark game

"GTA is a groundbreaking game in terms of new uses of technology and storytelling. But it's also groundbreakingly dark and dystopian, which is why it's rated as an adult game with an 18+ age limit," says Niamh Ní Bhroin.

She is an associate professor at the University of Agder and a specialist in children's and young people's screen use.

"GTA is a game where violence, sex, and casino games will give you advantages. It presents a highly caricatured or grotesque version of reality. It's meant for adults who can tell the difference between reality and fiction," says Ní Bhroin.

Ní Bhroin recommends that parents talk to their children already now.

"Have the conversation with your children about adult games now. Parents need to take charge and set boundaries for what children should have access to," she says.

The newest trailer for GTA VI was recently released. Watch it here on YouTube.

Here are the expert’s five tips for talking with your children:

Follow the age ratings on games – 18+ games are for adults.
Parents should principally follow the age ratings set by PEGI. At pegi.info, you can find professional justifications for the age ratings on different games. The age rating is based on various forms of risk, such as exposure to violent and sexual content and opportunities for spending money and gambling.
Familiarise yourself with your children's video games.
Parents should understand the risks children and young people are exposed to if they choose to ignore age ratings, and how this might affect others in their peer group.
Talk to other parents about common approaches to adult video games.
Parents can and should talk to other parents, for example through PTA committees or similar groups. Discuss how to develop joint strategies to ensure children and adolescents aren't pressured into playing games intended for adults.
Game with your children and talk about experiences of exclusion or bullying.
Parents should talk with their children about their experiences in games. Are they dealing with exclusion, problematic content, or other pressures? The best way to find out is to spend a few hours gaming with them.
Be open to the possibility that games suitable for children and young people can be a smart way to learn and to cooperate with others.
Parents should be open to the fact that children and young people experience many opportunities when playing games. This primarily involves entertainment, but also social interaction, solving problems together, and mastery.

The industry provides information at pegi.info

PEGI is an abbreviation for Pan-European Game Information. Over 35 countries in Europe participate in the scheme, including Norway.

"PEGI and the industry set age ratings for video games. Big companies like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo support it. The same goes for game sellers and developers," says the researcher.

PEGI's website is pegi.info. There, anyone can find an overview of age ratings and content in various video games. Active players also refer to pegi.info. The Norwegian Media Authority also recommends the site.

"GTA is rated for adults and has an 18+ age limit," says Ní Bhroin.

PEGI justifies the rating by stating that the game contains strong language and unprovoked violence. Players are also encouraged to gamble during the game.

Ní Bhroin says there can be good reasons to create games that present a kind of distorted view of reality using satire and exaggerations.

"But such games are often meant for adults," she says.

46 per cent violate the age rating

According to the latest figures from the Norwegian Media Authority, GTA is not among the three most popular games. Nevertheless, it still gets mentioned among the popular ones.

The Media Authority's survey also shows that over 46 per cent of children under 18 play video games with a higher age rating.

Ní Bhroin does not know if most children lie about their age when downloading GTA.

"It's more likely that parents have allowed their children to play GTA. Parents then need to monitor if money is being deducted from the bank card linked to the subscription," she says.

She thinks it might be easy for those under 18 to persuade parents to buy and download GTA.

Ní Bhroin explains that the game isn't particularly expensive, noting that GTA V now costs between 20 and 40 USD.

"But that's just the entry ticket. Once you've bought it, you're encouraged to buy mystery packs, new weapons, new cars, and gamble in the game's casino," she says.

Peer pressure and bullying

"We're all influenced by each other and try to follow the example of the coolest and brightest in our circle of friends. But for kids and young people it's especially hard to deal with such pressure," says Ní Bhroin.

The trendsetters often have the latest and toughest games.

"In the game, the pressure continues. Some may have bought better items, which help them reach higher levels in the game. This also creates pressure," she says.

She refers to previous discussions about the game Roblox. It was very clear who had an avatar with a free, basic look and who could afford to buy a more customised one.

"You quickly notice if someone's playing with a free avatar and minimal extras. This can lead to pressure and even bullying of those with free avatars. These are things parents should be aware of," says Ní Bhroin.