The creators of the controversial Grand Theft Auto 6 parody, Grand Taking Ages, are back in the game, this time securing a spot on Steam after Sony removed it from the PlayStation Store. This management simulator, where players run a game development studio, initially launched on the PlayStation Store last month, complete with a May 2025 release date and AI-generated art satirizing the long-awaited GTA 6. The inclusion of humorous, unrealistic gameplay features and fake awards further fueled the parody.
However, Sony swiftly pulled Grand Taking Ages VI (as it was then known) from its store. Now, following significant adjustments, the game has reappeared on Steam. Developer Violarte told IGN that the game underwent a rigorous review process to meet Valve's requirements. The Steam page boasts a new trailer and updated screenshots, all emphasizing the parody angle.
Key changes include dropping the "VI" from the title, along with a revamped logo, descriptions, and presentation to clearly distinguish it from GTA 6. While the art still bears a resemblance to Rockstar's iconic style, it's subtly different. The game still utilizes AI, with Violarte disclosing the use of "AI services" for voiceovers on the Steam page – a decision whose effectiveness is readily apparent in the trailer.
The Steam page now features this description: "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 adopted a different strategy with Valve, engaging with their team beforehand to ensure alignment with their guidelines. They cite other projects, such as Grand Theft Hamlet, as precedent for protecting GTA parodies. Violarte believes the updates warrant a return to the PlayStation Store, having submitted a request to Sony, highlighting Valve's approval as evidence of the game's revised nature.
The incident raised questions about Sony's curation process, contrasting sharply with Steam's more open approach. Steam, along with other app stores, is known for its diverse content, increasingly incorporating AI-generated assets. Meanwhile, GTA 6 is slated for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in Fall 2025.
