A massive banner advertisement for Grand Theft Auto VI, currently displayed on one of the Les Mercuriales towers in Paris, France, has been modified to remove depictions of guns. This change has drawn attention from fans documenting the banner's progress online.
The advertisement recreates artwork similar to the game's official cover. However, comparisons reveal that two instances of firearms have been digitally altered on the Parisian banner. In one instance, the character Lucia's handgun has been removed from her hand, while in another, an assault rifle has been omitted from a character's grasp, leaving only their raised hand.
Other Grand Theft Auto VI promotional materials, including banners and murals displayed in the United States, such as one in New York City, have retained the original artwork featuring firearms. The reason for the censorship on the Paris banner remains unclear, with speculation ranging from local advertising regulations to the building owners' preferences.
Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to launch on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Rockstar Games has been ramping up its marketing efforts, including the release of new trailers, cover stories, and merchandise.