Grand Theft Auto VI is poised to be one of the biggest game launches ever, but its mature content—including drugs, murder, and sex—makes it unsuitable for children. For families looking to avoid any potential FOMO among younger players, a variety of games offer experiences that can be enjoyed together, ranging from titles that mimic GTA's open-world structure to those that capture specific elements of the series in a more age-appropriate way.
Lego City Undercover stands out as a strong GTA-like alternative. Players step into the shoes of police officer Chase McCain, investigating crimes in a large open world filled with drivable vehicles. The game features a two-person cooperative mode and incorporates movie references that may resonate more with adult players. Its structure, which emphasizes detective work over criminal activity, makes it a clear choice for families. It is available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Wii U, and PC.
For a more action-oriented open-world experience, Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight offers a blend of Batman's dark tone with Lego's signature humor. The game opens up after the initial hours, allowing players to explore the city freely and engage in combat that resembles the Arkham series, albeit simplified for younger players. This title is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, and PC.
Racing fans can find engaging open worlds in the Forza Horizon series, specifically Forza Horizon 5 and the upcoming Forza Horizon 6. While not focused on criminal pursuits, these games offer extensive open worlds packed with collectibles and activities. The digital versions of Forza Horizon 5 and 6 are recommended due to the delisting of earlier entries because of music licensing issues. Forza Horizon 5 is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5, with Forza Horizon 6 slated for a PS5 release in early 2027.
For younger children seeking open-ended exploration, Little Kitty, Big City provides a charming experience. Players control a cat navigating a large urban environment after falling from an apartment window, solving puzzles and exploring to find its way home. The game allows for customization of the player's feline avatar and is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS, and Android.
Rockstar Games itself has a surprising family-friendly offering in Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis. Released during the height of the GTA: San Andreas era, this title offers a fun, competitive ping-pong experience that can be enjoyed by parents and children. It is available via backward compatibility on Xbox 360.
Everything offers a unique take on player freedom, allowing players to embody a vast array of entities, from animals to planets. While lacking a traditional narrative, its sandbox nature provides hours of exploration and discovery. This game is available on PS4, Switch, and PC.
Mario Kart World introduces an open-world structure to the beloved racing franchise, featuring a large map filled with secrets and characters. Players can engage in races, explore the interconnected world, and unlock numerous costumes and bonuses. It is also highlighted as a strong local multiplayer experience and is available on Switch 2.
For those who enjoy causing a bit of lighthearted mischief, Untitled Goose Game places players in control of a mischievous goose tasked with disrupting the lives of town residents through pranks and theft. The game's mild consequences for its actions make it a humorous alternative to GTA's more aggressive gameplay. It is available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.
Goat Simulator 3 amps up the mayhem with its absurd premise of a destructive goat causing chaos. Players can ram into people, destroy property, and perform bizarre stunts. The game is designed to be broken and offers a hilariously unhinged experience, available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
No Man's Sky presents a universe of unparalleled vastness, far exceeding GTA VI's scale. Since its release, it has evolved into a rich open-universe game with extensive exploration, planet-landing capabilities, and flora/fauna research. Its robust multiplayer component, complete with cross-play, allows families and friends to explore together regardless of their platform. It is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch 2, Switch, PC, and iOS.