The creators of the controversial Grand Theft Auto 6 parody, Grand Taking Ages, have successfully launched the game on Steam after its removal from the PlayStation Store. The management simulator, which satirizes the long-awaited GTA 6, initially faced rejection due to its use of AI-generated assets and its close resemblance to Rockstar's iconic imagery.

Developer Violarte made significant changes to secure Steam approval. These included removing the "VI" from the title, redesigning the logo, and revising descriptions to clearly distinguish the game from GTA 6. While the game still utilizes AI-generated assets, including voiceovers (as disclosed on the Steam page, complying with Steam's AI guidelines), the updated visuals and presentation are noticeably different.

The Steam page features a new trailer and updated screenshots, reinforcing the parody aspect. The revised description 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 proactive approach with Valve, engaging with their team before submission to ensure compliance with their guidelines. They cited other successful GTA parodies, such as Grand Theft Hamlet, as precedent for the protection of parody content.

Despite the Steam success, Violarte aims to reinstate Grand Taking Ages on the PlayStation Store, believing the implemented changes address Sony's initial concerns. They've submitted a request to Sony, highlighting Valve's approval as evidence of the game's revised nature.

The contrasting experiences with Sony and Valve highlight the differing approaches to content curation. While Steam's more open policy allows for a wider range of games, including those utilizing AI, Sony's stricter approach raises questions about its curation process. The official launch of GTA 6 is slated for Fall 2025 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.