Rockstar suspends digital sales of games in Brazil after ECA Digital; GTA 6 will have no impact

The entry into force of the so-called Estatuto Digital of Criança and Adolescente (ECA Digital), popularly known as In response to the new legislative requirements, Rockstar Games announced the interruption of the sale of its digital titles in the country through its own store and launch platform.

The measure came into force on March 16, 2026 and exclusively affects the developer’s official store. Isso means that Brazilian players can no longer purchase games directly through Rockstar Games Launcher or through the company’s website, at least for now, generating an adaptation period for consumers.

Despite this change, Rockstar clarified that its games remain accessible on other major platforms on the market. The company’s titles continue to be available for purchase and use in stores such as Steam, PlayStation Store and Xbox, ensuring that users who already owned the games before the change do not lose access to the content in their digital libraries.

Rockstar games interrupts sales in the country

Rockstar Games, in an official statement published on its support page, confirmed that the decision is intrinsically linked to the implementation of Estatuto Digital, Criança and Adolescente. The company stated that its games “are no longer purchasable” in its own store for players located in Brazilian territory, marking a significant change in its direct distribution strategy.

Essa restriction, however, does not extend to other digital storefronts widely used by consumers. The developer’s titles remain fully available on platforms such as PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam and Epic Games Store. This coverage in third-party stores minimizes the direct and immediate impact for the majority of end players, who still have multiple options to purchase products.

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Access maintenance and microtransactions

For users who already hold Rockstar Games securities in their Rockstar Games Launcher accounts, there will be no change in the short term. The company assured that Brazilian players can continue to access and enjoy their games normally through the platform, as long as they were purchased before the date of implementation of the change, that is, March 16, 2026.

A crucial aspect is the continuity of purchases of additional content. Itens as Shark Cards for GTA Online and Gold Bars for Red Dead Online remain fully functional within the company’s ecosystem. Dessa therefore, the current restriction focuses exclusively on the sale of complete games directly through Rockstar’s own store, without affecting internal transactions to improve the gaming experience.

GTA 6 remains unchanged for release

The announcement of Rockstar Games may generate apprehension among players eager for the launch of GTA 6, scheduled to arrive on November 19th on PlayStation 5 and on the Xbox Series S and X consoles.

The blocking of the Rockstar Games store mainly affects the company’s PC launcher, which works as an alternative for purchasing titles. Como the initial release of GTA 6 is scheduled exclusively for consoles, there is no reason for immediate concern.

What Felca Law Requires of the Games Industry

The decision of Rockstar comes shortly after the implementation of Lei nº 15.211/2025, popularly known as Lei Felca. Esta legislation establishes a set of strict rules aimed at protecting children and adolescents in the digital environment, with direct consequences for gaming platforms, social networks and a wide range of online services. Entre its fundamental pillars, the law imposes the need for robust age verification mechanisms, effective parental supervision tools and the guarantee of protection of minors’ personal data.

Adicionalmente, it requires that all digital products operate with the highest standard of privacy by default, a requirement that may require complex and significant technical changes on the part of companies operating in the sector. The legislation aims to create a safer and more controlled online environment for young people, forcing a complete reassessment of companies’ operations.

Protection mechanisms for children and adolescents

In the specific context of electronic games, the new legislation introduces very concrete and detailed measures. One of the most relevant points is the express prohibition of “loot boxes” – boxes of random items, often purchased with real money – in games that are aimed at or accessible to minors. Essa prohibition seeks to mitigate the risks associated with gambling practices that can be compared to betting for children and young people.

Furthermore, the law imposes the requirement for significantly stricter controls on all forms of online interaction. Isso includes voice chats, text messages and other communication tools within games, aiming to prevent cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content and contact with malicious people. Companies are now required to implement technologies that filter and monitor these interactions effectively.

The legislation also makes it mandatory to offer clear and easily accessible tools for parental supervision. Entre the required features include:

• Usage time control: Permite that parents or guardians limit the amount of time that minors spend playing.
• Purchase restriction: Oferece the ability to block or authorize financial transactions within games.
• Monitoring interactions: Possibilita monitoring children’s communications with other players.

In parallel, content recommendation systems and data collection practices need to be severely limited and properly anonymized when involving underage users. The priority is the privacy and security of these young people’s data.

Comprehensive impact on the gaming market

The Rockstar decision is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader trend seen in the games industry. Dada the severity of the penalties provided for by Lei Felca — which can reach up to 10% of the company’s revenue in Este high surveillance scenario reflects the concern to avoid not only financial sanctions, but also damage to reputation and consumer trust.

The complexity of the law lies in its breadth, requiring companies to review everything from the architecture of their games to their privacy policies and terms of use. Isso implies substantial investments in technology and human resources to ensure compliance, which can lead to strategic decisions such as the temporary suspension of certain services or the modification of specific functionalities for the Brazilian market. The industry is at a time of profound reassessment of its operations and business models in the country.

Precedents and adaptations from other companies

Other large companies in the sector have already started to take similar measures or adjust their operations to adapt to the new legislation. Riot Games, for example, has implemented a lockout of its main titles for underage users on Brasil, while improving its platforms to fully comply with new legal guidelines. Essa preventive action demonstrates the seriousness with which companies are taking Lei Felca and its potential impacts.

Similarly, the popular game Overwatch removed paid “loot boxes” from its battle pass system. Essa amendment aims to avoid any conflicts or legal problems related to the prohibition of lucky mechanisms for minors, as stipulated by ECA Digital. Essas movements show a tendency for caution and proactive adaptation on the part of developers.

According to lawyer Tatiana Campello, specialist in Propriedade Intelectual, Inovação and Tecnologia, blocking services or implementing changes specifically focused on the Brazilian market is a movement that should become frequent. The expert indicates that, depending on the cost involved in adaptation and the strategy of each company, some may choose to deactivate functionalities or modify monetization models for users on Brasil.

In the coming months, it is likely that other publishers will follow similar paths, either by temporarily suspending services or readjusting functionalities. Para the gaming community, the current scenario is one of transition, and the full impact of Lei Felca on the gaming universe should become more transparent and consolidated throughout 2026, as more companies complete their adaptation processes.

Challenges and future scenario for publishers

Lawyer Maria Helena Bragaglia, also from the firm Demarest, emphasizes that the current period represents a significant challenge for gaming companies operating in the country. Segundo her, the greatest complexity for the industry will be structuring, proving and maintaining a robust model of “secure design by default” that fully meets the protection needs of children and adolescents. Este requirement requires that security and privacy be incorporated from the design of games and services.

The demand for transparency and accountability intensifies, requiring companies to not only declare compliance, but proactively demonstrate their security measures. Isso may involve regular audits, detailed reporting and ongoing engagement with regulatory authorities. The Brazilian legal landscape establishes a new level for the protection of minors in the digital environment, shaping the future of interaction between games and young audiences in the country.