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The creators of the controversial Grand Theft Auto 6 parody game, Grand Taking Ages, have made a comeback with a new Steam page after Sony removed it from the PlayStation Store. This parody management simulator, where players manage a game development studio, initially stirred controversy with its use of AI-generated art and a list of improbable gameplay features, alongside fake awards from gaming websites. Despite these elements, Grand Taking Ages VI briefly appeared on the PlayStation Store with a slated release date of May 2025, allowing users to wishlist it.
Sony eventually pulled the game from its store, but after making significant adjustments, the developers, Violarte, have successfully launched it on Steam. They emphasized that the game underwent a thorough review process and is now approved for publishing on the platform. The Steam page features a new trailer and updated screenshots, all designed to highlight the game's parody nature.
Key changes include removing the "VI" from the title, altering the logo, descriptions, and overall presentation to distinguish Grand Taking Ages from GTA 6 and to underscore its unique direction. While the game still incorporates generative AI, particularly for voice overs as disclosed on the Steam page, the art style has been modified to be less reminiscent of Rockstar's iconic GTA imagery.
The new description on the Steam page reads:
Coming Soon Since Forever! Start your game dev journey in mom's garage! Battle angry fans, dodge ruthless journalists, and perfect the art of "creative" deadlines. Survive on pizza and energy drinks while building your dream studio into... a slightly better garage!
Violarte approached Valve differently than Sony, engaging with their team about the game's concept before official submission. This proactive approach helped ensure alignment with Steam's guidelines. The company also cited other successful parodies like Grand Theft Hamlet as evidence that such projects should be protected from takedowns.
With these updates, Violarte is now seeking to have Grand Taking Ages relisted on the PlayStation Store. They have reached out to Sony, highlighting the changes that convinced Valve to approve the game for Steam, expressing confidence that there will be no issues this time around.
The brief appearance of Grand Taking Ages VI on the PlayStation Store raised questions about Sony's curation process. In contrast, Valve's more open policy on Steam is well-known, with the platform hosting a variety of games, including those utilizing generative AI.
Meanwhile, the highly anticipated GTA 6 is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S in the fall of 2025.
