With its next franchise edition less than a year away Rockstar Games has finally been allowed to release Grand Theft Auto 5 in both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Although such a late game launch may seem strange, the reality is that some countries have very strict laws and regulations that prevent developers and publishers from releasing titles with potentially offensive material. Although problems with age ratings and depictions of sex, violence and drug abuse previously prevented the release of Grand Theft Auto 5 In these countries, these problems seem to be addressed.
Despite the fact that the fact Grand Theft Auto 5 Has been released several times in several markets around the world, spread over at least 3 console generations of games, it is still one of the most popular games in the franchise. Following the recent release of the improved edition of the game in March 2025, Grand Theft Auto 5 reached the remarkable milestone from being on the list of top 10 most played games twice at the same time, with both the Legacy version of the title and its new re-publishing net over 100,000 simultaneous players individually.
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GTA 5: Why should you start about 2025
Grand Theft Auto has been one of the most talked about franchise from late, and there is no better time to jump back to GTA 5.
From July 18, 2025, Rockstar Games has finally been granted the right to release Grand Theft Auto 5 in both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Both countries recently established a new 21 years of age for games like this, which made it legal to buy titles that were previously banned. While discussing the latest approvals, Niko Partners declared that previous prohibitions were ineffective, as players would often buy copies of Grand Theft Auto 5 During the counter and register with foreign accounts to avoid detection. This latest policy change is expected to have a huge impact on the gaming industry in both countries, and it also reduces the likelihood of any delay in release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in both countries.
New law in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates allow release of Grand Theft Auto 5
Whether Rockstar Games sees an increase in profits, this news is ultimately a win for players in both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Fans that would otherwise have sought different methods to play popular titles such as Grand Theft Auto 5 Can now simply make a legal purchase. The new age rating of 21+ is the latest in a wide range of decisions that both countries have made to invest in the game's future, including very profitable investments in Nintendo less than a year ago.
From May 2025, Grand Theft Auto 5 Has sold 215 million copies all over the world. According to research from Niko Partners, the total number of players in this region is estimated to reach 84.3 million in 2029, so it is quite possible that this legendary game could reach a quarter of billions of sales after the publication in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but mathematics seems to add.
Grand Theft Auto 5
9/10
- Published
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September 17, 2013
- ESRB
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M for mature 17+ due to blood and gore, intense violence, mature humor, nudity, strong language, strong sexual content, use of drugs and alcohol
- Developer
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Rock star
- Engine
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Rockstar Advanced Game Engine
