Grand Theft Auto VI is set to launch on November 19, 2026, but the romantic interactions between dual protagonists Jason and Lucia have once again sparked debate over whether the game could amount to cheating. A new UK poll found that some adults believe pursuing a virtual romance in a video game can constitute infidelity.
According to previously released trailers and hands-on previews, players can have Jason and Lucia hold hands, kiss and exchange phone messages, with their interactions shaping how the relationship develops. However, the game's focus on intimacy has left some people questioning where the line should be drawn between virtual romance and a real-life partner.
UK polling firm YouGov surveyed 4,114 adults on September 1, 2026, asking whether they would consider it cheating if their partner played a game that required their character to maintain a romantic relationship. Six percent said it would count as cheating, while 19% said they would not call it cheating but still would not be comfortable with it. Another 54% said it was not cheating and would not bother them, while 21% did not express an opinion.
The gender breakdown showed that 7% of women and 4% of men considered it cheating. Another 24% of women and 13% of men said they would object despite not defining it as infidelity. The findings also fueled discussion among players after being reported by the BBC.
Some users argued that video game characters are not real and told critics to get a grip. Others asked whether killing someone in Call of Duty should also get a player arrested. They also pointed out that games such as The Sims have allowed characters to marry and have children for years, questioning why virtual romance has suddenly become controversial.
Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson, however, stressed that players can decide whether to pursue the romance. Even without actively developing their relationship, Jason and Lucia will continue to support each other at key moments.
Nelson said that playing the two characters together could make players feel like stewards of their relationship. While the survey suggests that some respondents are uneasy about virtual romance, most did not consider it cheating.
via： BBC