Games ratings board probing Grand Theft Auto:SA
By Lisa Baertlein
Sat Jul 9, 7:40 AM ET
The industry group that sets ratings for video games is probing whether hidden features within the blockbuster title "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" allows players to make their characters engage in simulated explicit sex acts. (Not surprised.)
The series of criminal adventure games from Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. subsidiary Rockstar Games has been among the best selling in history, while drawing sharp criticism for encouraging gratuitous violence.
If the investigation were to lead to a rating change from M (Mature 17+) to AO (Adult Only), it could limit sales from major retail outlets. ([1] Evidence that Rockstar is in it for the $. [2] Its bullshit if ESRB changes the rating from M to AO. Kids are cunning enough these days to obtain even a legit copy of GTA:SA while ESRB will change the rating just to "do its job" and avoid lawsuits.)
The Entertainment Software Rating Board "has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 'Hot Coffee' modification for (the game) ... to determine if there has been a violation of ESRB Rules and Regulations requiring full disclosure of pertinent content," ratings group President Patricia Vance said in a statement.
The move from the ESRB comes just days after California lawmaker Leland Yee, a Democrat from San Francisco, blasted the game for its violent and sexually explicit content.
The legislator, also a child psychologist, wants the game's rating changed to AO. In the past he has pushed for restrictions on sales of violent video games to minors.
Of the 1,036 game ratings assigned by the ESRB in 2004, fewer than 1 percent received an AO rating.
The PlayStation2 version of "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" was the No. 1 game of 2004, selling just over 5 million copies, according to NPD Funworld.
Sat Jul 9, 7:40 AM ET
The industry group that sets ratings for video games is probing whether hidden features within the blockbuster title "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" allows players to make their characters engage in simulated explicit sex acts. (Not surprised.)
The series of criminal adventure games from Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. subsidiary Rockstar Games has been among the best selling in history, while drawing sharp criticism for encouraging gratuitous violence.
If the investigation were to lead to a rating change from M (Mature 17+) to AO (Adult Only), it could limit sales from major retail outlets. ([1] Evidence that Rockstar is in it for the $. [2] Its bullshit if ESRB changes the rating from M to AO. Kids are cunning enough these days to obtain even a legit copy of GTA:SA while ESRB will change the rating just to "do its job" and avoid lawsuits.)
The Entertainment Software Rating Board "has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 'Hot Coffee' modification for (the game) ... to determine if there has been a violation of ESRB Rules and Regulations requiring full disclosure of pertinent content," ratings group President Patricia Vance said in a statement.
The move from the ESRB comes just days after California lawmaker Leland Yee, a Democrat from San Francisco, blasted the game for its violent and sexually explicit content.
The legislator, also a child psychologist, wants the game's rating changed to AO. In the past he has pushed for restrictions on sales of violent video games to minors.
Of the 1,036 game ratings assigned by the ESRB in 2004, fewer than 1 percent received an AO rating.
The PlayStation2 version of "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" was the No. 1 game of 2004, selling just over 5 million copies, according to NPD Funworld.
QJai left the block at 7:28 PM
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