Target said it made the decision following feedback from its customers, and that the decision will effect its 300 stores across the country.

In a statement on its website, the company claimed to have made the decision following feedback from customers "about the game's depictions of violence against women".

"We've been speaking to many customers over recent days about the game, and there is a significant level of concern about the game's content," Target general manager of corporate affairs Jim Cooper said. "We feel the decision to stop selling GTA5 is in line with the majority view of our customers."