Grand Theft Auto V Launches in Saudi Arabia and UAE Nearly 12 Years After Its Initial Release

Grand Theft Auto V: A Milestone in Gaming History

Originally launched on September 17, 2013, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating players for almost a decade. As we approach its 12th anniversary this September, millions worldwide have embraced this title, revisiting its expansive world time and again. For residents of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, however, this game may feel entirely new, especially if their last twelve years were spent without legal access to it.

New Horizons: Availability in Saudi Arabia and UAE

In a groundbreaking development, GTA V and Grand Theft Auto Online are now officially available in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This launch, as noted by Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad, signifies a pivotal moment in the regulatory landscape for video games across the MENA region.

Introducing Age Ratings: A Shift in Regulation

The approval of GTA V also coincides with the rollout of a new age rating system in these regions, with the General Authority for Media Regulation in Saudi Arabia and the UAE Media Council establishing a 21+ rating. This change is significant, as it marks a departure from the past when many titles faced bans due to strict content ratings aligned with standards like those of the ESRB or PEGI.

Game Approval: A Window of Opportunity

Previously, regulatory bodies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE had vetoed many games for content that, under more liberal rating systems, would qualify for an M for Mature or PEGI 18+ classification. Ahmad emphasizes that this new age rating system may pave the way for the approval of previously banned titles, allowing games like GTA V to launch “without any major modifications.”

“This is a positive signal for the industry as it potentially allows games to be approved without edits, thereby offering publishers a viable path to market for games that would normally be blocked, ”Ahmad writes.

Implications for the Gaming Industry

While the official availability of GTA V and GTA Online is noteworthy, particularly since unauthorized copies have circulated in the region for years, the true significance lies in the newly established age rating. This regulatory shift holds the potential to reshape the gaming industry landscape in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and beyond, encouraging a more open approach to game approvals worldwide.

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