Sony Pulled GTA 6 Parody Game Grand Taking Ages From the PlayStation Store — but It’s Now Cleared for Release on Steam

The creators of the controversial parody game, Grand Taking Ages, have made a comeback with a 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 AI-generated art and satirical take on the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6).

Last month, despite featuring AI-generated art and a list of improbable gameplay features, along with fake awards from gaming websites, Grand Taking Ages VI managed to appear on the PlayStation Store with a slated release date of May 2025. Players could even wishlist the game. However, Sony quickly pulled it from their store. Now, after making significant adjustments, the game has been approved for Steam, thanks to a thorough review process by Valve.

Developer Violarte has updated the game's Steam page with a new trailer and screenshots, emphasizing the parody aspect. Key changes include removing the "VI" from the title, altering the logo, and modifying the game's descriptions and presentation to distinguish it from GTA 6 while still maintaining a parody angle. Although the AI-generated art has been adjusted, it still bears a resemblance to Rockstar's iconic GTA imagery.

Grand Taking Ages continues to utilize generative AI, particularly for voice overs, as disclosed on its Steam page. The new game description 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.

Violarte is now seeking to have Grand Taking Ages reinstated on the PlayStation Store, citing the recent updates and Valve's approval as reasons for reconsideration. They have reached out to Sony, expressing confidence that the adjustments will resolve any previous issues.

The initial listing 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 using 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.