Sony Clears GTA 6 Parody for Steam Release

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. Described as a satirical management simulator, players run a game development studio, navigating the chaotic world of game creation.

Last month, despite employing seemingly AI-generated art to poke fun at the long-awaited GTA 6, and featuring a humorous list of improbable gameplay features and fake awards, Grand Taking Ages VI unexpectedly appeared on the PlayStation Store with a May 2025 release date. Players could even add it to their wishlists. However, Sony swiftly removed the game. Now, following significant adjustments, it's reappeared on Steam, having successfully navigated Valve's review process.

Developer Violarte told IGN that Grand Taking Ages underwent a thorough review, resulting in Steam approval. The Steam page boasts a new trailer and updated screenshots, all reinforcing the parody angle used to justify the project.

The changes? Besides dropping the "VI" from the title, Violarte revamped the logo, descriptions, and overall presentation to clearly distinguish Grand Taking Ages from its inspiration, emphasizing its unique identity. While the art still bears a resemblance to Rockstar's iconic GTA style, it's subtly different.

Generative AI remains a key component, though. In accordance with Steam's AI guidelines, Violarte disclosed the use of "AI services" for voiceovers—a decision whose impact is readily apparent in the trailer.

The updated 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 adopted a different approach with Valve, proactively engaging with their team to discuss the game's concept before submission. This preemptive strategy ensured alignment with Steam's guidelines. They cited projects like Grand Theft Hamlet, a documentary about actors staging Hamlet within GTA Online, as precedent for protecting GTA parodies from takedowns, arguing that parody can creatively celebrate and entertain within existing genres.

Violarte aims to return Grand Taking Ages to the PlayStation Store, submitting a request highlighting the changes that secured Steam approval. They are confident that Sony will approve the updated version.

Grand Taking Ages VI's brief appearance on the PlayStation Store raised questions about Sony's curation process, contrasting sharply with Steam's more open approach. Platforms like Steam, various app stores, and even the Nintendo eShop are known for their diverse content, with generative AI increasingly contributing to its creation.

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