Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto VI has ignited a peculiar moral panic among the right-wing. Despite the game’s yet-to-be-revealed content, critics are alleging it’s a covert attempt to indoctrinate the youth with woke ideologies. Parents and activists once feared the series’ crude content would corrupt their kids, but now they’re worried about gender equality and LGBTQ acceptance.

The paranoia has reached such a fever pitch that players are questioning the game’s male protagonist’s masculinity. Social media users have accused the developers of subjugating the male character to a feminist agenda, and some have even suggested the game will subliminally brainwash players with bisexual lighting. Meanwhile, other detractors are defaulting to rank sexism, criticising the game’s female lead’s appearance.

While Rockstar has been open about its intent to realistically portray diversity in the game, the backlash continues. Critics have even resorted to image generators and social media trolling to mock the game’s female lead. The ire is not just directed at the content but at the developers themselves, who are accused of embracing identity politics.

Despite the outcry, Rockstar has already sold over 5.28 million copies of GTA VI, raking in more than $500 million. The game is likely to be the most expensive ever made, yet the studio will easily recoup its costs. For now, the culture warriors will have to reflect on their own anxieties.