YouTube updates content rules for violent games ahead of GTA 6 trailer 3 launch

YouTube has quietly updated its content moderation policies as the anticipation is building for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI. As part of the updated policies, the streaming platform has placed stricter restrictions on gaming videos deemed excessively violent.

This move by YouTube has started concern among the creators who fear their content may be demonetised just as interest in GTA 6 reaches a fever pitch. As reported by Dexerto, YouTube has started flagging gameplay footage which includes graphic violence, especially scenes involving realistic depictions of harm to civilians, torture, or sexualized violence—elements often present in open-world games like GTA.

Creators caught off guard

As per the report, many gaming YouTubers have already started receiving warnings or demonetization notices for content that previously passed moderation.

Clips from games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Call of Duty, and Cyberpunk 2077 have been affected, with creators noting that even long-standing videos are being retroactively flagged. “It’s frustrating,” one anonymous creator told Dexerto. “We’re not promoting violence—we’re showcasing gameplay.

But now, even story-driven missions are being treated like violations.”

Why now

The timing of the update of content moderation policies appears strategic.

Rockstar Games is said to launch the GTA 6 trailer 3 in the coming weeks, and YouTube may be preemptively adjusting its algorithm to avoid backlash over violent content flooding the platform. The company has not yet issued any formal statement, but insiders suggest that the platform is trying to balance advertiser concern with the inevitable surge in GTA-related uploads.As part of the new updated guidelines, videos with “gratuitous violence” may be age-restricted, demonetized, or removed from recommendations. This could significantly affect revenue for creators who rely on trending titles like GTA 6 to drive views. Some creators are now editing their footage to blur or skip controversial scenes, while others are exploring alternative platforms like Kick and Rumble to host uncensored content.

What is allowed

While YouTube hasn’t banned violent games outright, it’s urging creators to avoid:

Videos that focus on commentary, reviews, or censored gameplay may still be eligible for monetization.