Grand Theft Auto 6 has drawn criticism from a Russian politician who described the upcoming game as carrying "the stench of Americanism." Vitaly Milonov, a deputy from Russia's ruling United Russia party, stated that the series has always been characterized by violence and deviance. "GTA, from its very first version, has been about violence and hooliganism," Milonov told Russian radio station Govorit Moskva. "The last version doesn't differ at all from those before it, in terms of deviance." Milonov, known for his conservative stances and past campaigns against LGBTQ+ rights in Russia, expressed that he does not believe the game will strongly influence players to adopt disapproved lifestyles. He posits that a "normal person" understands that GTA depicts the reality of the USA, where "violence, sex and drugs really reign."
Despite his critiques, Milonov suggested that the inherent violence within the game is not a significant concern for him, as it primarily affects Americans. "Any violence in GTA is violence against a potential enemy," he stated, implying that such in-game conflict among Americans could be seen as a positive outcome. "So if they all tear each other apart—even just in GTA—it will only be for the better." Milonov's comments come amid global anticipation for Grand Theft Auto 6, with the game's trailer breaking viewership records upon its release. Rockstar Games has not yet announced a release date for the title.