A number of women have taken to TikTok and other social media platforms to criticise Grand Theft Auto VI's new relationship-building feature, with some declaring they would end things with a partner who plays the game. The backlash follows Rockstar's announcement that GTA 6 allows players to shape a romance between protagonists Lucia and Jason through actions such as sending supportive texts, going on dates, or committing crimes together. While many gamers are eager to guide the storyline, a vocal minority of partners argue the system effectively forces their significant other into a relationship with a fictional character, with one TikTok user branding it a "cheating simulator".

The reaction online has been mixed, with some commenters siding with the critics while others accuse them of being controlling or insecure, suggesting the game's emphasis on communication and honesty might prompt uncomfortable comparisons with their own relationships. Romance mechanics are nothing new to gaming, dating back to Phantasy Star III in 1990, and dating simulators remain hugely popular on platforms such as Steam. Commentators have noted that GTA 6's focus on presence, honesty and attentiveness as the basis of a healthy relationship is arguably a more constructive depiction of romance than typical in-game gift-giving mechanics.