Rockstar Games has released a modified version of its Grand Theft Auto 6 extended look trailer for audiences in China, featuring significant blurring of content deemed sensitive.
The 27-minute gameplay reveal, originally shared globally, was published on the Chinese social media platform Bilibili with substantial portions obscured. The censorship affects scenes involving dancing, drug use, and sexual content. For instance, footage set in a nightclub appears as a large purple blur, a scene depicting smoking is obscured, and brief shots of crowds on the beach are also blurred. Close-ups of deceased characters are also censored, though most corpses remain visible.
According to reports from GTAForums user BDF, the version now available on Bilibili is not the same one initially uploaded following the trailer's Netflix premiere. It is suggested that Rockstar altered the video around August 31, though the precise reasons for this delay in adjustments remain unclear.
The censorship has led to varied reactions within Chinese online communities. Some speculate that Rockstar's actions are intended to prevent younger viewers from accessing potentially mature content, while others suggest it reflects prejudices held by Rockstar and its parent company, Take-Two Interactive. Reports indicate that Rockstar and Take-Two have also issued DMCA takedown notices against users reposting unblurred versions of the trailer on Bilibili.
Despite these modifications, the rollout of Grand Theft Auto 6 content continues in anticipation of its November 19 launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Recently, new Vice City-themed PS5 controllers were revealed, and additional screenshots were posted on Rockstar's official website. Fans are actively analyzing every detail from the extensive gameplay reveal.