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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Review · Action · macOS · PC · iOS

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

macOS · PC · iOS · Xbox · Android · PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 3 · PlayStation 2 · Xbox 360 · Xbox One

Rockstar North · 2004

Ludograph rating

B

Good

60 /100

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is an open-world action game that builds spatial awareness and problem solving, but includes mature content like violence and language.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 44 · R 6
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

44

Risk (RIS)

6

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.64
B2Social-emotional
0.03
B3Motor
0.55

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas offers a vast open world for exploration, engaging missions that require problem-solving and strategic thinking, and opportunities for creative expression through character and vehicle customization. Its narrative provides a satirical look at societal issues.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.13
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The game contains mature content including high levels of violence, strong language, sexual themes, and substance references. While it does not employ modern manipulative engagement mechanics, its immersive open world can lead to extended play sessions.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.67
R4.3Language
1.00
R4.4Substance References
1.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.00

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Parents ask…

Is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas a rating of 60/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas?

The game contains mature content including high levels of violence, strong language, sexual themes, and substance references. While it does not employ modern manipulative engagement mechanics, its immersive open world can lead to extended play sessions.