Is GTA 6 woke? Certain changes at Rockstar are giving gamers anxiety regarding the future of the long-running franchise.

Is there any other video game in the world more anticipated right now than Grand Theft Auto 6? No, there isn’t.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

GTA 5 was released in 2013 and sold like hot cocoa on a cold winter day at the North Pole. It’s no surprise, then, that everyone and their mother is eagerly awaiting GTA 6.

The wait has been long—12 years and counting—and we still don’t have the game in our hands. However, in 2023, Rockstar released the first GTA 6 trailer, and it was nothing short of stunning. Yet, as quickly as the excitement for the trailer spread, concerns began to surface.

A Shift in Protagonists

People started asking “is GTA 6 woke?” after getting a glimpse at the game’s new playable character.

One of the most notable shifts in GTA 6 is that it will introduce the series’ first female protagonist. While every previous entry featured male protagonists, GTA 6 will include both a female and a male lead. This dual-protagonist setup, however, has not fully alleviated the skepticism that some fans feel about the game.

To be clear, criticizing the game solely because it includes a female protagonist isn’t a valid argument. Rockstar has a stellar track record of delivering exceptional stories and well-written characters.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

From Arthur Morgan in Red Dead Redemption 2 to the chaotic yet compelling trio of Trevor, Michael, and Franklin in GTA 5, Rockstar has consistently excelled at crafting characters that resonate with players. If the only concern is the inclusion of a female lead, that alone should not warrant criticism.

In fact, the idea of a female protagonist in the GTA series isn’t new. Back in 2011 or 2012, Dan Houser, Rockstar co-founder and writer, was asked if the series would ever feature a female lead.

His response was clear: if the story called for it, then absolutely.

Its even been speculated that before his departure from Rockstar in 2020, Houser had completed or was close to completing a treatment for GTA 6. Reportedly, the game was to draw inspiration from a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style story, influenced by Warren Beatty’s Bonnie and Clyde and Tony Scott’s True Romance.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

If that’s the case, Houser himself endorsed the idea of telling a compelling story that could work with a female protagonist. That should put this concern to rest, right?

And yet, there’s another underlying issue here—one that points to a deeper worry about the future of Rockstar Games. If you’ve been paying close attention, you might have already noticed the first real concern:

Dan Houser left Rockstar in 2020.

The Departure of Key Creatives

In 2023, Michael Unsworth, another veteran writer and key creative behind GTA 4, GTA 5, and Red Dead Redemption 2, also left the company.

Why did these departures happen? What’s going on at Rockstar?

To this day, no one really knows. Houser, notoriously private and media-shy, has remained silent on the matter, and Unsworth’s exit only adds to the uncertainty.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

Having seen many other companies lose senior talent or founding creators, I know how often this spells trouble for their future projects. When the key people behind a studio’s greatest successes are no longer involved, it raises valid concerns about the quality of their upcoming titles.

In fact, the skepticism many gamers now feel about GTA 6 may not be entirely unwarranted—not because of the inclusion of a female protagonist, but because several of the individuals who helped helm Rockstar’s best games are no longer part of the company.

The Changing Landscape of Beloved Franchises

It’s also important to acknowledge a broader trend that has fueled these concerns.

Many gamers feel that sequels to beloved franchises—previously renowned for strong storytelling and memorable characters—have been increasingly replaced with lackluster writing and poorly conceived protagonists. Hence why so many are asking, “is GTA 6 woke?”

This sentiment, often described as the “replacement” of strong male characters with so-called “female Mary Sues,” is not limited to gaming. Similar criticisms have been leveled at films and TV shows. While I don’t blame or judge those who feel this way, it’s crucial that this fear doesn’t blind us to nuance.

A screenshot from Star Wars Outlaws (2024), Ubisoft

There have indeed been instances where poorly handled creative decisions have alienated fans.

For example, The Last of Us Part II faced backlash for its treatment of beloved characters, Star Wars: The Last Jedi divided audiences over its portrayal of legacy characters, and concerns are already emerging about Ghost of Yotei, the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima.

However, it’s equally important not to leap to conclusions without evidence. Take, for instance, a recent picture released by Rockstar celebrating their female employees. Some used this as evidence to argue that GTA 6 will be “woke” or politically correct, but it’s worth noting the image was posted back in 2019 to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Meet some of the talented #womenbehindthegames from Rockstar North and join us this #internationalwomensday in celebrating all the amazing women working in game development. Follow @rockstarcareers to see how you can join us. pic.twitter.com/IEDUDm3yKW

— Rockstar Careers (@rockstarcareers) March 8, 2019

Context matters, and while such skepticism reflects broader fears, we shouldn’t let it overshadow a fair evaluation of the game itself.

That said, there are legitimate reasons to worry about Rockstar’s direction—specific actions that hint at the possibility of a shift in the company’s creative philosophy. These subtle signs raise questions about whether Rockstar might be headed toward a “woke takeover.”

Signs of a Changing Rockstar

One notable example of Rockstar’s shift came in 2022, when they censored content in the Grand Theft Auto V: Expanded & Enhanced edition.

This updated version of the game removed elements that allegedly maligned individuals who identify with a gender that differs from their anatomy. These changes included the removal of certain caricatured NPCs and in-game props, such as signage referencing drag performers. Dialogues perceived as mocking toward the rainbow community were also edited out.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

While some argued these changes were necessary to modernize the game, others saw it as a troubling sign of self-censorship.

What makes this decision particularly concerning is its inconsistency with GTA’s longstanding satirical identity. The Grand Theft Auto series has always thrived on equal-opportunity satire, mocking all aspects of American culture without singling out or shielding specific groups.

From politicians to celebrities, no one has been spared from GTA’s biting humor. Yet, the removal of content raises questions: why censor only this? Why remove jokes about one group while leaving countless other instances of parody intact?

Moreover, reports suggest that these edits were made due to internal pressures at Rockstar, with certain individuals pushing for the changes after Dan Houser’s departure in 2020.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

This raises an uncomfortable question: is Rockstar moving away from its fearless approach to satire in favor of a more sanitized, cautious tone? And, of course, the larger question, is GTA 6 woke if they abandon this trademark?

The very essence of GTA’s humor has been its willingness to provoke and challenge societal norms, and decisions like these risk diluting what has made the series so distinctive.

Such concerns become more pronounced when viewed alongside broader trends in entertainment, where similar self-censorship and fear of backlash have altered the creative direction of games, movies, and TV shows.

For Rockstar, a company once celebrated for its audacity, this shift may signify deeper changes in its internal philosophy—changes that fans fear could undermine the bold storytelling that defined its greatest hits.

The Certifications That Could Change Rockstar Forever.

There’s quite a few alarming factors at play for anyone wondering “is GTA 6 woke?” Yet the gravest and perhaps most damaging revelation about Rockstar isn’t found in its content edits or the departure of senior staff, but in what can be uncovered about those who now work there.

A troubling pattern emerges when examining the certifications held by Rockstar employees, particularly among senior members. At least 60 employees have completed a course called Unconscious Bias, with many of these certifications being awarded between 2020 and 2021—the same period during which Dan Houser left the company.

A screenshot of the Unconscious Bias course – LinkedIn

So, what is this course? The Unconscious Bias certification, as described on platforms like LinkedIn Learning, aims to teach participants to recognize and address unconscious prejudices they may hold.

While its stated goal is to foster inclusivity and fairness in workplaces, the course has been widely criticized for its potentially divisive nature. The training focuses heavily on racial and gender dynamics, framing biases as something that predominantly privileged groups (such as white employees) need to address. This can create an environment where some individuals feel unfairly singled out based solely on their identity.

Critics of such courses argue that they perpetuate the very biases they claim to dismantle. For example, the Unconscious Bias training often emphasizes systemic racism and privilege in ways that risk oversimplifying complex social issues.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

Instead of fostering unity, these courses can alienate employees by assigning collective guilt or blame to certain groups while portraying others as perpetual victims. Such frameworks are not only reductive, but also inherently biased—ironically contradicting the course’s own purpose.

In Rockstar’s case, the proliferation of this certification raises serious questions about the company’s direction.

A search showing that more than 60 Rockstar employees have the Unconscious Bias certification – LinkedIn

Why was such a course implemented widely around the same time key creative minds like Dan Houser and Leslie Benzies left?

Furthermore, why does this training appear to be disproportionately targeted at white employees? If the goal was true equality and inclusivity, why adopt an approach that inherently divides rather than unites?

The timing of these certifications—coinciding with major departures and significant shifts in company culture—suggests a deeper issue. The adoption of such ideologies risks influencing creative decisions, potentially prioritizing corporate optics over the bold, unfiltered storytelling that once defined Rockstar. For a company built on satire and irreverence, embracing such divisive practices could erode the very foundation of its identity.

A screenshot of the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging course page – LinkedIn

Another certification among Rockstar employees raises even more questions about the company’s direction and the possibility of a shift toward political correctness. This certification, called Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB), appears to be more broadly distributed than the Unconscious Bias certification.

Unlike the latter, which seemed disproportionately aimed at white employees, the DIB certification spans multiple demographics within the company.

According to LinkedIn Learning, the DIB course aims to promote inclusivity by fostering awareness and respect for diversity. On the surface, this might seem well-intentioned, but critics argue that such programs often prioritize compliance over genuine understanding. Instead of creating meaningful change, they risk becoming performative measures designed to enhance corporate image.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

Additionally, such programs have been criticized for stifling creativity and open dialogue. By emphasizing politically correct behavior and language, they may discourage employees from taking creative risks or expressing unconventional ideas. For a company like Rockstar, whose identity has long been tied to bold satire and fearless storytelling, this shift in workplace culture could have significant consequences.

The presence of both the Unconscious Bias and Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging certifications suggests cultural change within Rockstar. Such a transformation risks alienating loyal fans and undermining Rockstar’s legacy as a provocateur in the gaming industry.

A Crossroads for Rockstar and Grand Theft Auto 6

I must say that the skepticism—and perhaps even paranoia—that gamers feel when asking “Is GTA 6 woke?” is not entirely unfounded. There are clear signs that suggest a shift has occurred at Rockstar, and not necessarily for the better. These signs point to a company whose focus may now be shifting toward the so-called “modern audience”—a demographic that, despite being constantly invoked by corporations, often seems ill-defined or nonexistent.

Is it possible that Rockstar, like other companies such as Ubisoft, Bioware, and Rocksteady, has fallen into the trap of what some call “woke indoctrination,” which seems to permeate the entertainment industry today? I don’t know for certain, and I genuinely hope not. But I also cannot ignore the signs—signs that gamers are noticing, signs that feel clearer today than they did before.

A screenshot from Grand Theft Auto VI (2025), Rockstar Games

These signs have led to disappointment in other franchises, and there is a lingering fear that Rockstar may follow suit.

Still, there is a glimmer of hope. Rupert Humphries, a key figure who co-wrote Red Dead Redemption 2 alongside Dan Houser and Michael Unsworth, is reportedly still involved in GTA 6’s single-player development. His continued presence suggests that Rockstar may still retain some of the talent and vision that brought us some of gaming’s greatest achievements.

In the end, all we can do is wait. As much as I hope that the fears of gamers—including my own—are proven wrong, only the release of GTA 6 will determine whether we are to be disappointed or pleasantly surprised. For now, the anticipation remains, and we await the next chapter in the Grand Theft Auto saga.

What do you think? Is GTA 6 woke? Or will we all be pleasantly surprised when it finally releases?