Recent events have revealed that payment processors - and the shady activist groups apparently pulling their strings - are wielding unprecedented power over what games can be sold on digital storefronts, which could potentially affect best-selling franchises like Grand Theft Auto.
While the initial targets were explicit adult games on platforms like Steam, new information suggests that beloved mainstream franchises could be next in line for removal. ZOOM Platform, a digital storefront specializing in retro games, recently disclosed that payment processors have expanded their scope beyond just sexually explicit titles.
The company revealed that during discussions with major payment providers, several mainstream gaming franchises that contain some arbitrary definition of adult content were identified as potentially problematic, including GTA.
For years, rating systems like the ESRB have served as the primary method for categorizing content and restricting sales to appropriate age groups. Now, payment processors appear to be creating their own standards, potentially overriding established industry practices.
GTA has sold over 400 million copies worldwide and remains one of the most successful entertainment franchises in history. Grand Theft Auto V alone makes up more than half of this figure with 215 million copies sold as of May 2025.
The series has always courted controversy with its depictions of violence, crime, and mature themes, but it has never sold itself as a child-friendly game either. What makes this situation particularly troubling is the lack of transparency.
Payment processors operate largely behind the scenes. A handful of financial companies could effectively decide what millions of gamers can or cannot purchase, regardless of their age or personal preferences.
With that said, gaming platforms are scrambling to adapt. ZOOM Platform announced they're implementing new security measures, including two-factor authentication, and exploring alternative payment methods to maintain their catalog. They've pledged to resist any attempts to force delistings, but the situation clearly favors the payment processors.
For now, these mainstream titles remain available on major platforms - but the mere fact that they've been identified as potential targets is concerning, especially as Rockstar Games is planning to add age verification checks to Grand Theft Auto Online, leading to fears that this feature could also come to Grand Theft Auto 6.
Neither Rockstar nor Take-Two Interactive have issued statements regarding this situation. Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick may tackle this ongoing issue on August 7 at the company's next earnings call.
