Mikhail Ivanov, chairman of the "Russian Orthodox" social movement and a deputy in the Bryansk Regional Duma, has called on Russians not to play or purchase GTA 6, believing that the game will destroy people's souls.
Ivanov stated, "The protagonists in the GTA series have always been criminals, gangsters, and murderers. In the game, car theft, drug trafficking, killing police officers, and engaging in shootouts are portrayed as normal. Women are treated as objects for sexual gratification, while money and power become the most important things. This is not just a game; it instills a set of values in players."
Ivanov believes that teenagers will absorb all these values from GTA 6. He also argues that the developers have violated religious commandments, urging parents not to purchase the game for their children.
He said, "'Thou shalt not kill,' 'Thou shalt not commit adultery,' 'Thou shalt not steal'—GTA constantly violates these commandments and makes such violations central to its plot. If someone spends ten thousand rubles on it, they are paying to support something that destroys their soul. It's not just spending money; it's allowing spiritual degradation. Parents, if your children ask you to buy GTA 6, don't agree immediately. Talk to them and explain that popular things aren't necessarily beneficial, and fun things aren't always safe."
Ivanov advised parents to pay attention to more beneficial games that are educational and have friendly content. He believes this approach can protect children.
He stated, "Some games help people grow, teaching them to think and learn. Others only lead to degradation, and GTA falls into the latter category. We shouldn't ban all games outright, but we must protect children from exposure to content that could harm them. If we fail to do so, the consequences would be unacceptable, no matter how cheap the games are."
Ivanov has frequently criticized GTA 6. Previously, he proposed banning the action game in Russia due to the inclusion of male strippers. However, beyond the lust he described, GTA 6 will also feature genuine romance.
His concerns about video games extend beyond GTA 6. In January 2025, he suspected The Witcher of promoting neo-paganism. In June of the same year, he proposed shutting down the internet at night to increase birth rates, arguing that young people play too many games. He has also expressed dissatisfaction with certain film content, previously proposing a ban on Western movies depicting infidelity.