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Grand Theft Auto Under Review by ESRB
Posted on: 2005-07-09 20:27:25 Ratings Review An industry group is keeping an eye on "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" after complaints that the video game allows its characters to engage in explicit sex acts. The criminal adventure game, developed by Take-Two Interactive Software Inc, came under review by The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), after being strongly criticised for encouraging what many see as gratuitous violence. The Rating board said it "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 ESRB sets the ratings for video games and is investigating allegations that such modifications, when loaded onto a PC, can unlock hidden features within the video game creating mini-games of sorts which allows players to simulate sexual acts. The probe could result in a rating change for the game which could limit its sales in retail outlets. Currently San Adreas holds an M (Mature 17+) rating. This could change to an Adult Only (AO) rating if the ESRB feel the allegations are substantiated. Grand Theft's parent company, Rockstar Games, has said it plans to fully comply with the ESRB investigation. "We also feel confident that the investigation will uphold the original rating of the game," said Rockstar, "as the work of the mod community is beyond the scope of either publishers or the ESRB." The Grand Theft Auto series is among the best selling video games in UK history. |