The creators of the controversial Grand Theft Auto 6 parody, Grand Taking Ages, are back in the game, this time securing a spot on Steam after Sony removed it from the PlayStation Store. This management simulator, according to its developers, satirizes the long-awaited release of Rockstar's GTA 6.

Initially launched on the PlayStation Store last month, Grand Taking Ages featured AI-generated art and a humorous list of improbable gameplay features, even boasting fake awards from gaming websites. Despite this, and a May 2025 release date, Sony swiftly pulled the game. However, after significant revisions, it’s now available on Steam.

Developer Violarte states that Grand Taking Ages underwent a rigorous review process to meet Steam’s requirements. The Steam page showcases a new trailer and updated screenshots, all designed to solidify the game's parody nature. Key changes include dropping the "VI" from the title, revising the logo, descriptions, and presentation to better distinguish it from GTA 6. While the art still bears a resemblance to Rockstar's style, it's noticeably different.

Despite the changes, the game still utilizes generative AI. In compliance with Steam's AI policies, Violarte disclosed the use of AI for voiceovers, as evident in the trailer. The Steam page description now reads: "Coming Soon Since Forever! Start your game dev journey in mom's garage! Battle angry fans, dodge ruthless journalists, and perfect the art of 'creative' deadlines. Survive on pizza and energy drinks while building your dream studio into... a slightly better garage!"

Violarte adopted a different strategy with Valve, proactively discussing the game's concept before submission, ensuring alignment with Steam's guidelines. They cite projects like Grand Theft Hamlet as precedent for parody protection. The company believes these examples demonstrate how parody can thrive within existing genres.

Violarte aims to return to the PlayStation Store, submitting a request highlighting the changes that led to Steam's approval. They are confident Sony will approve the updated version.

The incident raises questions about Sony's curation process, contrasting with Steam's more open approach. Steam, along with other app stores, hosts a wide variety of games, increasingly incorporating generative AI. Meanwhile, GTA 6 is set to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in Fall 2025.