GTA5 Released in Saudi Arabia, UAE After 12 Years
The release of GTA V in Saudi Arabia and the UAE is a significant development for the gaming industry in the region, and it will be interesting to see how this shift in attitude towards videogames will impact the availability of other games in the region. With the game now available for purchase, gamers in the Middle East can finally experience the game without any restrictions.
Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online have finally launched in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, nearly 12 years after their initial release, with the game receiving a 21+ age rating, allowing it to be sold without censorship. The game is now available for purchase on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, with both physical and digital copies available, marking a significant milestone for gamers in the Middle East.
The game's release was delayed due to its high age rating, which is higher than the 18+ rating in most countries. However, this rating allowed the game to be released without any modifications, despite its violent content. Rockstar has partnered with a local distributor, Advanced Initiative Company, to release GTA V in the region, and there is speculation about a possible day one release for GTA 6.
To celebrate the game's launch, Rockstar sent gifts to community members and creators, generating excitement among gamers in the Middle East, who have been importing copies or using accounts from other regions to access the game. The game's release marks a significant shift in the country's approach to videogames, with other games that may have struggled to be approved now having a chance.
The approval of GTA V for sale in Saudi Arabia and the UAE opens up opportunities for other games to be sold in the region without censorship, and gamers in the Middle East can now enjoy the iconic game on their chosen platform, without having to resort to imports or workarounds.