A Change.org petition calling on the retailer to withdraw the game from sale gained more than 38,000 signatures.

The women behind the petition, named on the site as Nicole, Claire and Kat, said as survivors of sexual violence they felt the game sent a dangerous message.

“It’s a game that encourages players to murder women for entertainment. The incentive is to commit sexual violence against women, then abuse or kill them to proceed or get ‘health’ points – and now Target are stocking it and promoting it for your Xmas stocking,” the petition said.

Target general manager of corporate affairs Jim Cooper said the decision to stop selling the game was made following extensive community and customer concern.

“This misogynistic GTA V literally makes a game of bashing, killing and horrific 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.”

“We’ve also had customer feedback in support of us selling the game, and we respect their perspective on the issue.”

“However, we feel the decision to stop selling GTA5 is in line with the majority view of our customers.”