GTA 6: YouTube removes Lucia's gun from its ad, citing monetization rules

Since Thursday morning YouTube has been running a GTA 6 ad in which the official Jason and Lucia artwork has lost the weapon Lucia holds. That is what the Journal du Geek points out, linking it directly to the platform's recent tightening of its video game rules.

A retouched artwork

The original visual is the one released in early summer, which will appear on the game's cover: Jason and Lucia, she with a gun in hand. According to the Journal du Geek, YouTube's ad, sent out by email among other channels, uses a version with no weapon. The message says all roads lead to GTA 6 and that you should hold on tight, because this is only the start.

Context matters. GTA 6 is rated PEGI 18, launches on November 19 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and platforms are starting to campaign for it, YouTube first according to the Journal du Geek.

The monetization link

The site puts the choice down to YouTube's new policy. The platform changed its monetization guidelines for video games to prepare for the flood of videos when GTA 6 launches: creators stay eligible for ad revenue as long as graphic violence does not appear in the first seven seconds. By removing the gun from its own visual, YouTube would be applying the rule it imposes on others. That is the Journal du Geek's reading; the article quotes no comment from YouTube on the retouch.

The same article adds that YouTube has confirmed a tougher line on content from certain games. With the wide range of situations GTA 6 promises, many creators could face demonetization, censored videos or age restriction, with an adult account required to watch.

Why it matters

For players, nothing changes in the game: the official cover keeps the original artwork. For anyone planning to film or edit GTA VI videos, the seven-second rule becomes a habit to learn. Player discussion can be found on the community page.

Sources journaldugeek.com

By Solange Rocheval · VI Countdown newsroom, OKALAM Studio