People are calling for GTA VI to be banned just after watching the trailer

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By Kim Novak

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The first trailer for Grand Theft Auto VI has officially landed - and it's already stirring up quite a storm with fans.

The new trailer has given fans a glimpse of what to expect from GTA VI ahead of its release in 2025 (sorry, there's still a while to go before the game itself actually drops...)

The graphics appear to be pretty incredible and strikingly realistic, and players look set to be treated to a familiar cast of larger-than-life characters.

And while many people are excited to get the sixth instalment of the popular franchise fairly soon, some people are less than keen after having seen trailer one, and are already calling for it to be banned.

Of course, anyone who's familiar with the GTA franchise knows to expect violence and adult themes, but it appears some were still shocked that the trailer included footage of a strip club as well as a woman twerking in a bikini on top of a car.

Those who were offended by the imagery took to Twitter to share their thoughts, writing: "We need to ban GTA 6. In a world of OnlyFans and rampant p*rn, this game is going to make young peoples mental health much worse!"

Others added: "We need to ban GTA 6!!! Video games are for children, it is disgusting and disappointing seeing what kind of things Rockstar are showing to our kids," and: "WE MUST BAN GTA 6! This content is NOT safe for children and should be banned!!"

The outrage was such that the hashtag #BanGTA6 ended up trending on Twitter (now known as X), despite the game not actually being marketed at children.

Its predecessor, GTA V, was rated M for Mature, meaning it was suitable for ages 17 and up in the US, and over 18s everywhere else.

Many fans of the series also took to Twitter to defend it from those calling for it to be banned, writing: "Everyone who is like "We need to ban GTA VI, kids should not be seeing this" lets me quickly remind you of the ESRB rating of past GTA's. M for Mature means it is rated for ages 17 and up. Last time I checked kids are not 17+ so I guess we are all good, aren't we?"

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The adult nature of the trailer had some viewers up in arms. Credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images

Others added: "After a decade of anticipation, these people want to ban GTA 6 for having strippers in it. bruh," and: "If you're really trying to ban GTA think again GTA been around since 1997 to now GTA has nothing to do with religion or politics and another thing Gta was never a kids game so plz shut the f**k and happy holidays everyone."

It's definitely not the first time the GTA franchise has faced backlash, as it has previously been criticized for being too violent.

The first installment was released in 1997, with other versions following in one- to five-year intervals, except for GTA VI, which has had the longest wait.

GTA V was released in 2013, meaning fans will have had a 12-year wait for GTA VI once it's released in 2025.

Featured image credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images