On October 18, FOX News aired a program discussing GTA VI and the potential social impact of video games. The topic extended from the series' depictions of crime and violence to whether adults should continue playing games.
During the program, the host listed content such as car theft, shootings, prostitution, and drug crimes, expressing concern that these depictions might influence young people. Commentator Ben Domenech stated that Grand Theft Auto is a major franchise in the gaming industry, with its primary players being people in their 30s rather than teenagers; he also noted that the claim that "violent games increase real-world violence" has been repeatedly debunked.
The discussion also mentioned a suspect in a 2025 shooting, but the program clarified that there were no reports of this person having played the Grand Theft Auto series. Participants argued that government bans on such content could be unconstitutional, and that parents should decide which games are suitable for their children.
Another commentator then expanded the criticism to adult players, stating that those over 40 who still play games are not working hard enough and should seek side jobs or engage in outdoor activities like fishing. Game*Spark believes this discussion reflects the lingering prejudice against video games among conservative groups in the United States. GTA VI is scheduled to launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19, 2026.