GTA 6’s online mode is set to launch later this year, but new laws in Australia and the UK could lock out millions of players
Image by Rockstar Games, Public domain. Via Wikimedia Commons.
Many players could choose to skip the game entirely.
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Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to launch in November this year. While the game will first release with a single-player story mode, Rockstar Games plans to roll out the multiplayer component at a later, unspecified date. That online mode is what millions of players around the world are waiting for.
According to Screen Rant, however, new age verification laws in Australia and the United Kingdom could stop a large number of players from accessing GTA 6‘s online mode altogether. These laws are creating real barriers for fans who were expecting a smooth and straightforward experience.
Australia has introduced age verification rules that require users to prove their age before playing 18+ rated games with multiplayer support. Both the current GTA Online and the upcoming GTA 6 online mode fall under these regulations. These rules are part of the broader Age-Restricted Material Codes and only apply to multiplayer experiences, not single-player-only games.
Age verification laws in multiple countries are making online gaming harder for adult players
The United Kingdom already has similar laws in place. When GTA 6‘s online mode eventually launches, players in the UK will also likely need to go through official channels to verify their age before they can access it. This affects a significant number of players across both countries. Australia and the UK are not the only countries pushing back against the game, as Russia has threatened to ban GTA 6 over a controversial in-game addition.
One of the biggest concerns with these laws is privacy. Some verification methods involve the use of biometric data, such as face scans. Many players are not willing to hand over that kind of personal information just to access a game they have already bought and paid for.
Discord is another platform that has already begun making similar changes. Starting in March, Discord rolled out face scanning and ID checks for users who want access to content beyond a “teen-appropriate” experience. This shows that age verification requirements are becoming more common across online platforms, not just in gaming.
GTA 6 is still expected to be a massive commercial success globally, regardless of these regional laws. The excitement around the game is so high that fans are exploiting a PS5 glitch just to get a feel for it before the official release. Rockstar Games has not yet made a public statement on how they plan to handle these requirements or whether there will be alternative verification options for players in affected countries.
For players in Australia and the UK who were looking forward to jumping straight into GTA 6‘s online world, these regulations are a real obstacle. Whether Rockstar offers a workaround or players must comply with local laws remains to be seen.
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Published: Mar 11, 2026 12:45 pm