TL;DR: Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA VI) is the most anticipated piece of media on the planet right now. Even if your kid is years away from being allowed to play it, they are likely seeing the viral "Florida Man" inspired trailers and GTA Roleplay clips on YouTube and TikTok. The draw isn't just the "adult" content; it’s the ultimate digital freedom of a "sandbox" world.
Quick Links for Alternatives:
- For the creative builder: Minecraft
- For the "roleplay" fan: Roblox
- For the driving enthusiast: Forza Horizon 5
- For the open-world explorer: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
If you’ve spent any time at school pickup lately, you’ve probably heard a group of ten-year-olds debating the release date of a game they technically shouldn't even know exists. We are currently in the middle of a massive cultural moment surrounding Grand Theft Auto VI.
The franchise has always been a lightning rod for parent controversy, but the hype for this new installment—set in a fictionalized Miami called Vice City—is hitting different for this generation of kids. It’s not just about the "forbidden fruit" aspect (though that’s always a factor). To understand why your kid is obsessed with a game rated M for Mature, we have to look at how they consume digital culture today.
The Grand Theft Auto series is the "sandbox" king. It’s an open-world game where players can drive, fly, complete missions, or just wander around a hyper-realistic city.
The last game, Grand Theft Auto V, was released back in 2013. To put that in perspective: some of the kids begging for the new one weren't even born when the last one came out. Because of that decade-long gap, the anticipation has reached a fever pitch. When the first trailer dropped, it broke the internet, showcasing a world that looks indistinguishable from real-life viral videos—complete with "Florida Man" antics, social media livestreams, and incredible graphics.
You might be wondering: If I don't let my kid play M-rated games, how do they even know about this?
The "Roleplay" (RP) Phenomenon
Most kids aren't watching the scripted story missions of GTA. They are watching GTA Roleplay (RP). This is a modded version of the game where players act out roles—like being a police officer, a shop owner, or a paramedic—within the game world.
Think of it like a high-stakes, hyper-realistic version of Roblox or "playing house" but with cars and helicopters. Top creators on Twitch and YouTube stream these "lives" for hours, and kids watch the highlights. It feels less like a violent video game and more like a long-running improv soap opera.
The Ultimate Sandbox
Kids today are raised on "agency." They don't want to follow a linear path; they want to go anywhere and do anything. This is why Minecraft and Roblox are so dominant. Grand Theft Auto VI represents the "final boss" of that freedom. It is the most detailed, most reactive world ever built. To a kid, it’s the ultimate digital playground where the rules of the real world don't apply.
Cultural Currency and "Ohio" Energy
In the current kid-lexicon, things that are weird, chaotic, or "cringe" are often labeled as being "from Ohio" or "Skibidi." GTA fits into this chaotic internet culture perfectly. The game itself is a satire of American culture—it’s loud, it’s absurd, and it’s full of the kind of "main character energy" that resonates with kids who spend their time on TikTok.
Ask our chatbot about why kids use slang like "Ohio" or "Gyatt"
Let’s be no-BS here: The Grand Theft Auto series is intentionally provocative. It is designed for adults.
- Violence and Crime: The core gameplay involves theft, gun violence, and running from the law. While much of it is satirical, it is visceral.
- Sexual Content: The games traditionally feature strip clubs, suggestive themes, and occasional full nudity. GTA VI looks to be leaning heavily into "influencer culture," which includes plenty of suggestive "Bikini-clad Florida" imagery.
- Language and Drugs: The dialogue is heavy on profanity, and drug use/dealing is often a plot point.
- Online Toxicity: GTA Online is notorious for having one of the most "toxic" communities in gaming. Unfiltered voice chat with adults is the norm, not the exception.
If your kid is asking for GTA but isn't ready for the M-rated content, they are likely looking for one of three things: freedom, driving, or roleplay. You can provide those through games that don't involve "simulated carjacking."
For the Driving & Exploration Itch
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This is the gold standard for open-world driving. It’s beautiful, you can go anywhere in a massive map of Mexico, and there is zero violence. It captures that "freedom of the road" feeling perfectly.
Forza Horizon 5 (Ages 10+)
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It’s essentially "Baby’s First GTA" but with LEGOs. You drive around a massive world, your car transforms from a boat to an off-roader, and it’s purely fun.
LEGO 2K Drive (Ages 7+)
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An older but classic open-world racing game. It’s all about stunts and high-speed exploration without the gritty crime narrative.
Burnout Paradise Remastered (Ages 10+)
For the "Roleplay" & Social Itch
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Games like "Brookhaven" or "Adopt Me" inside Roblox are essentially the kid-version of GTA RP. They get to have a job, a house, and interact with others.
Roblox (Ages 8+)
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Joining a roleplay server in Minecraft allows for the same creative storytelling found in GTA RP but in a blocky, much safer environment.
Minecraft (Ages 8+)
For the "Big World" Explorer
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If they want a world where they can truly "go anywhere and do anything," this is the best-designed sandbox in gaming history. It rewards curiosity and creativity rather than chaos.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Ages 10+)
When your kid asks for Grand Theft Auto VI, don’t just shut it down with "it’s bad." That makes it more appealing. Try this approach:
- Acknowledge the cool factor: "I saw the trailer, the graphics look incredible. I get why everyone is talking about it."
- Explain the "Why": "The reason it’s rated M isn't just because of the fighting; it’s because the whole game is a satire of adult world problems—drugs, crime, and stuff that isn't really for kids. It’s like watching an R-rated movie."
- Offer the "Not Yet" compromise: "It’s a 'not yet' game. But if you like the idea of an open world where you can drive and explore, let’s look at Forza Horizon 5 or The Crew Motorfest."
Check out our guide on how to talk to kids about M-rated games
The GTA obsession is less about kids wanting to "be criminals" and more about them wanting to be part of the biggest cultural conversation in the world. They want the freedom, the graphics, and the social status that comes with the game.
As parents, we can respect the tech and the hype while still holding the line on age-appropriateness. There are plenty of ways to let them experience "sandbox freedom" without exposing them to the cynical, adult world of Vice City before they are ready to process it.
- Watch the trailer with them: If they're over 10, watch the GTA VI trailer together. Use it as a jumping-off point to talk about what's "real" vs. "satire."
- Audit their YouTube: Check if they are watching GTA RP creators. Some are relatively clean; others are definitely not.
- Explore "Cozy" Sandboxes: If the chaos of GTA feels like too much, introduce them to Tchia or Sable—games that offer massive open worlds with a much more "Screenwise" vibe.
Ask our chatbot for more open-world game recommendations for your child's specific age