GTA V Released in Saudi Arabia with a Rating of 21+

After more than a decade of banning, Grand Theft Auto V has finally been released in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The release of the title, a milestone for game accessibility in the region, is the result of a 21+ rating granted by the General Authority for Media Regulation, allowing the game to be made available without cuts or censorship of the original content. This release includes both the original version and the Expanded & Enhanced version, with graphic improvements for the latest platforms, and is now available in digital and physical formats for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox, and PC since this Thursday.

The release of GTA V in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates after 12 years of banning is a victory for gamers and for the relaxation of censorship in the region.

The banning of GTA V in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates lasted 12 years, imposed due to its content of violence, explicit themes, and drug use, which were considered incompatible with the local culture. The decision to release the game, with a 21+ rating, demonstrates a change in the approach of media regulatory authorities in the region, now allowing adult audiences to access titles that were previously completely banned.

The release covers all platforms where the game is available, ensuring that players in the region can experience both the original version and the enhanced version, which offers significant improvements such as ray tracing, HDR lighting, enhanced textures, and faster loading times.

This release comes at a time of growing interest in the gaming industry in Saudi Arabia, which has been heavily investing in esports and game development. The permission for a title like GTA V, known for its freedom and controversial themes, may open doors for other previously banned games to also be reconsidered for release in the future.