GTA: San Andreas Officially changed to AO

[Buzzkill]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/fun.gam....ap/index.html

SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- The video game industry on Wednesday changed to adults-only the rating of "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," a best-selling title in which explicit sexual content can be unlocked with an Internet download.

The decision followed intense pressure from politicians and media watch groups.

Grand Theft Auto's producer, Rockstar Games, said it was now working on a new version of the game that would satisfy the original "M" for mature rating. It said it would provide new labels to any retailer willing to continue selling the version currently on store shelves.

Rockstar's parent, Take Two Interactive, also admitted for the first time Wednesday that the sex scenes had been built into the retail game -- not just the PC version but also those written for Xbox and PlayStation2 consoles.

Company officials had previously suggested that a modification created by outsiders added the scenes to the game, last year's best seller in consoles.

"There is sex content in the disc," Take-Two spokesman Jim Ankner told The Associated Press. "The editing and finalization of any game is a complicated task and it's not uncommon for unused and unfinished content to remain on the disc."
Rating change will hurt company

The sex scenes, inserted in a game whose main character seeks bloody vengeance on gang-filled streets while pickup scantily clad women, had prompted outrage from parent's groups and politicians including Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-New York.

In a statement, the president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) said the sex scenes were programmed by Rockstar "to be inaccessible to the player."

But ESRB chief Patricia Vance also acknowledged that the "credibility and utility" of the industry-run board's initial "M" rating had been "seriously undermined."

Many retailers sell "M" rated games, which "may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older," according to the rating board, but won't sell "AO"-labeled games at all.

Take-Two also said Wednesday that it expects to suffer financially. It lowered its expectations for its current quarter and fiscal year to set aside funds for returns of the games, and figured that net sales could decrease by more than $50 million during the quarter ending July 31.

Shares of Take-Two rose 12 cents to close at $27.07 on the Nasdaq, but later dropped $3.07, or 11.3 percent, in after-hours activity.

The ratings change was vindication for Patrick Wildenbourg, the Dutch programmer who developed and freely distributed the modification that unlocked the controversial content in the game's PC version.

Such "mods" are wildly popular in the hardcore gaming community and -- authorized or not -- exploit the medium's interactive nature to extend the playing life of many popular titles.
Group calls for recall, refunds

Take-Two president Paul Eibeler stressed in a statement that only an unauthorized "mod" makes the sex scenes available, and said "the decision to re-rate a game based on an unauthorized third party modification presents a new challenge for parents, the interactive entertainment industry and anyone who distributes or consumes digital content."

That prompted an angry reaction from David Walsh, founder of the National Institute on the Media and the Family, a Minneapolis-based group that monitors the industry.

Walsh criticized Rockstar for what he called a "carefully worded statement" that leaves the impression that "modders" are responsible for the content. "They did not take responsibility for the fact that this code was created within their company and placed on disks and shipped to responsible retailers."

The Parents Television Council, another group that monitors sex and violence in the media, said it was pleased with the rating switch but called on Rockstar to voluntarily recall the game and offer refunds to anyone who purchased it.

"I tip my cap to that first step of showing responsibility," said Tim Winter, the council's executive director. "Phase two needs to be absolutely getting to the bottom of this coding issue. How did it get into that game? How did it get past the ratings board?"

The ESRB was formed 11 years ago amid congressional pressure to crack down on violent video games. The board now issues ratings for more than 1,000 game titles each year.

Game makers must submit a lengthy form describing the most extreme content, and turn over visual samples and scripted dialogue as each game nears the final stages of development.

[FearedSanctity]

I can understand why they'd change it, but still....


BULLSHIT

[darkpower]

Politicians want for the games to be labeled differently because some person who would otherwise be seen as non-existant decided to release something so people can access the parts of the game that weren't supposed to be accessed.

My opinion: Change only the PC version, since unless there is some act of god or something, the PS2 and x-box versions of the coding will never see the light of day.

Who knows, someone may have just forgot to take it out of the final version. We see glitches in games all the time that erase games and lock up games.

On second thought, maybe they SHOULD change those other versions. If it wasn't meant to be accessable, what would that do to a saved game or your current game if it runs into a choking point (where the game would start to lock up games).

[The Mackem]

I was reading that the difference in the rating is only 1 year (you have to be 18 to buy instead of 17), is this right?

[Hired Hitman]

Bitch, Bitch, Bitch.

If I saw a perosn that was protesting against the game, then I'd show them a real GTA.

[Boomer]

Originally Posted by The Mackem I was reading that the difference in the rating is only 1 year (you have to be 18 to buy instead of 17), is this right?

Yes. However, most stores (Wal-Mart included) refuse to stock AO games.

It doesn't matter though. They are remaking the game with the shit out. They'll be fine.

[KleptoKlown]

If this was anyone but Rockstar, i'd agree with you guys. Rockstar is far too arrogent and full of it...this suites them perfectly.

[The Mackem]

Originally Posted by Boomer Yes. However, most stores (Wal-Mart included) refuse to stock AO games. It doesn't matter though. They are remaking the game with the shit out. They'll be fine.

The difference is one year, are these the same stores that stock ammunition and crap? Good stock policy right there.

[Boomer]

This whole thing is really stupid to begin with. I can't imagine Rockstar just accidentally leaving that in there.

[Shaggy]

Originally Posted by Boomer Yes. However, most stores (Wal-Mart included) refuse to stock AO games. It doesn't matter though. They are remaking the game with the shit out. They'll be fine.

Yea....word is that Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target...all places like that will be removing it from there shelves and Gamestops and EB Games...places like that will be removing it for a set amount of time. They will eventually get it back but they have to have it off the shelves for a certain time...I dont know why.

[AareDub]

Originally Posted by Shaggy Yea....word is that Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target...all places like that will be removing it from there shelves and Gamestops and EB Games...places like that will be removing it for a set amount of time. They will eventually get it back but they have to have it off the shelves for a certain time...I dont know why.

GameStop and EB are not removing it for a set amount of time. The policy is that we do no sell AO titles. Unless it gets changed back to M, or there is a policy change in the company, you will not find San Andreas on the shelves at GameStop.

My thoughts on the whole thing is that if they are going to go back and re-rate games they need to take a look at quite a few others. The fact that they are changing the rating based on something you can only get by modifying the code is ridiculous. Sure it's a sex minigame, but did they decide to ignore the sex minigame in God of War? What about Leisure Suit Larry, the whole game is a sex minigame. Hell, you can even modify the code in LSL to remove the censor bars.

Honestly I think the majority of the existing content in GTA:SA was enough to warrant the AO rating, but on the same note I think it should still be available at least at the game stores. I can understand why the Wal-Marts, etc would not want to sell it.

[Silent]

Well I think it was pretty dumb of Rockstar to leave it in the game, knowing that it would be found. Did they think there wouldn't be a big backlash when some parent with a huge log-sized stick up her ass wouldn't bitch and moan about it when they saw the video game characters fucking?

On the other hand, the game is Mature, and the characters cuss all the time. Any parent with a scrap of intelligence wouldn't let a young child play this. If you're old enough to play this, you can handle some video game sex. People are going to buy it regardless.

[KingofOldSchool]

*goes and buys San Andreas from work before we pull them off the shelf*

[darkpower]

Oh, and by the way, the PTC, the same people that are calling for a refund of the game?

Let's not forget what he, the founder, L. Brent Bozell, tried to do the WWE SmackDown and what his actions are doing to the show STILL. He lies, skews, and does anything in his power to make sure him and his cronies are right 110% of the time.

Let's also not forget what group he belonged to before the PTC, the Unification Church.

Yeah, big person to lead a fight against a sex minigame, someone who was involved in a group that brainwashed innocent people to join and support a cult faction.

[The Diva]

This my friends, is total bullshit. I personally want to know how many of these people complaining have children, under the age of 17, who actually own and have seen these scenes and if there are some, than I want to know how their children got the game in the first place. If you are purchasing San Andreas than you must be atleast 17 therefore if you are old enough to buy it then you are old enough to hack and mod it for whatever reason you like. If there are kids younger than that doing this kind of stuff A) They have too much time on their hands B) They obtained it by technically unlawful means C) Their parents need to do their job better. I'm sure it's much easier to find much worse porn on the internet than the time it takes to actually mod the game hell they probably get worse on the pop-ups they get while searching for it.

Wal-Mart has a history of censorship in music and movies(which is also wrong) so no surprise there but everywhere, over something that you have to be looking for to actually find and is not accessible right out of the box, that's fucked. I think I'll go into every store I can find asking for GTA:SA and when they don't give it to me and give an explanation I then am going to ask them to also remove the tv's and pc's from their stores as they provide the same content. This isn't about right or wrong, it's about censorship and a persons right to make their own decisions on how they live their lives, nobody is going to tell me what is in my 'own best interest'.

[Hired Hitman]

[Innovator]

To quote a wise man (Master Shake) this is "bitchier than 8 bitches in a bitchboat"

[darkpower]

Also, one more thing.

Should these senators worry about something more worthwhile, like how the fuck to get out of Iraq or how to get Karl Rove out of there?

Seems to me they would rather worry about what we play and watch and hear rather than worry about any REAL issues.

[UmbrellaCorporation]

Jack Thompson needs to die.

SEVERAL people from GameFAQs have E-mailed him about the fact that he blatantly ignores the evidence AGAINST gaming causing harm to younger kids. They usually get answers close to "Post this on a public forum, junior.", or "Check into a mental health institute", not to mention for a "highly respected" attorney, he apparently hasn't figured out what a spacebar is.

If anyone isn't familiar with Thompson, he was the one blaming Doom/Halo/and the like for shootings such as Columbine.

[The Answer]

So what exactly happens in these scenes for those who have seen it....

[Silent]

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse....ticket_to_hell

lol

[The Answer]

Originally Posted by Silent http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse....ticket_to_hell lol

So is that it? Hot coffee is basically a video game girl getting naked?

[UmbrellaCorporation]

It's a mod where Denise has some "playtime" so to speak with CJ. There's an "excitement" meter for Denise and everything.

How CJ does that without taking his pants off is beyond me, but he does it.

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

If all these stores take it off their shelfs how the hell are you suppose to get it?

[FearedSanctity]

Internet?

[Silent]

It has to be unlocked using a downloaded hack for PC, or an Action Replay (hack device) for the consoles. So basically it has to be looked for, so if you come across it, I believe its your fault, not the developers.

Sure, it wasn't the best idea putting it in there if they knew it was possible to be unlocked, but you have to TRY to see it, it's not like it just suddenly pops up in your face.

Hilary Clinton is a fuckwad.

[Drakul]

[UmbrellaCorporation]

See, I don't get that either.

Why the hell would you change the rating based on something that ISN'T in the main game itself? Many people are just fine using health/ammo cheats within a game, and don't go looking for crap like that.

I concur with Silent. Hilary and Thompson both fail at life.

[darkpower]

[The Mackem]

Originally Posted by Silent http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse....ticket_to_hell lol

Classic

[HeartBreakMan2k]

Originally Posted by AareDub GameStop and EB are not removing it for a set amount of time. The policy is that we do no sell AO titles. Unless it gets changed back to M, or there is a policy change in the company, you will not find San Andreas on the shelves at GameStop. My thoughts on the whole thing is that if they are going to go back and re-rate games they need to take a look at quite a few others. The fact that they are changing the rating based on something you can only get by modifying the code is ridiculous. Sure it's a sex minigame, but did they decide to ignore the sex minigame in God of War? What about Leisure Suit Larry, the whole game is a sex minigame. Hell, you can even modify the code in LSL to remove the censor bars. Honestly I think the majority of the existing content in GTA:SA was enough to warrant the AO rating, but on the same note I think it should still be available at least at the game stores. I can understand why the Wal-Marts, etc would not want to sell it.

For the record, we (EB Games) are the onnly company still selling it. We just have to remove any promotion (ie: signs, banners, etc) refering to it. Leave the games in the back room, and must have a valid ID proving age. Even if you look 89 I still have to see a card, you can only hand me the money and I can only hand you the game. So no more of "just give the bag to him, it's his game".

[AareDub]

Until we take you over. Mwhaha

J/k

[KleptoKlown]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/fun.gam....ap/index.html


Woman sues video game manufacturer


NEW YORK (AP) -- A woman upset that she bought the video game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" for her 14-year-old grandson without knowing it contained hidden, sexually explicit scenes sued the manufacturer Wednesday on behalf of consumers nationwide.

Florence Cohen, 85, of New York, said in the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan that the game's manufacturer, Rockstar Games, and its parent company, New York-based Take Two Interactive Software Inc., engaged in false, misleading and deceptive practices.

She sought unspecified damages on behalf of herself and all consumers nationwide, saying the company should give up its profits from the game for what amounted to false advertising, consumer deception and unfair business practices.

Cohen said in the suit that she bought the game in late 2004 for her grandson when it was rated "M" for mature, for players 17 and older. According to the suit, she directed that it be taken away from her grandson, which was done.

The game was released in October with an "M" rating. After a storm of negative publicity about the hidden scenes, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, an industry group responsible for rating games, changed the rating to "AO" for adults only.

Laurence D. Paskowitz, the lawyer who filed the lawsuit on behalf of Cohen, said no parent would knowingly buy an adult-only video game for their children.

"They should really make sure this doesn't happen again," he said. "The least this company can do is offer refunds."

Hidden areas in video games that can be unlocked with special codes or modifications are not uncommon.

Take Two Interactive initially said the scenes were not part of the retail version of the game but later admitted they were.

A message left for a company spokesman was not immediately returned. On Tuesday, Take-Two announced that it had been notified by the Federal Trade Commission's Division of Advertising Practices that it was conducting an inquiry into the game's advertising claims.

The company said it planned to cooperate fully with the probe.

"Rockstar Games and Take Two Interactive regret that consumers may have been exposed to content that was not intended to be accessible in the playable version of 'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'," it said in a statement.

The company said it had halted production of the game in the controversial form and was working on a version of the game without the hidden sexual content.

"Going forward, the company will refine the process by which it edits games and will enhance the protection of its game code to prevent such future modifications," it said.

Earlier this week, the House voted 355-21 for a resolution asking the FTC to investigate the company. Last week, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-New York, asked the FTC to investigate Rockstar, saying the company had "gamed the ratings system" by concealing sex scenes in the game that can be unlocked by computer programs available on the Internet.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Target Corp., Best Buy Co. and Circuit City Stores Inc. have pulled the game -- last year's top-seller among console games -- from their shelves following the rating change.

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


***************

fuck me, if thats not the stupidest thing i've seen.

this game was rated M, which is for 17+ year olds, yet she bought it for her 14 year old grandson....and nows she's suing?

someone should sue her for buying this game for a minor. dumb fucking cunt.

[Lara Emily]

I like that the woman is suing on behalf of everyone else. Though if she wins I bet she keeps all the money for herself.

[KleptoKlown]

that woman should be shot for buying an M game, then getting pissed at the content.

that game already has enough "shits" and "fucks" plus the hooker, car stealing and killing, that a grandma should not be buying this game for a grandson if shes worried about what he might see or hear.

thats really whats wrong with a lot of these people. I'd rather have my kid watch sex..be it tasteful or not, then be playing a game doing all the other stuff that warrented a M rating. Shoot someone in the head, call him a nigger....no problem, but show some cartoon boobies, and shit hits the fan

[LoDownM]

This kinda shit is bullshit. They put a AO rating on this game, but not games like LSL, or the guy game. Seriously, the goveerment puts way to much time, money and effrot into shit like this, it's bullshit and a waste of fucking time.

Fucking senators, why don't you try fixing real problems, like figuring out a way to get gas prices lowerd, or some other important shit.

[UmbrellaCorporation]

Originally Posted by LoDownM This kinda shit is bullshit. They put a AO rating on this game, but not games like LSL, or the guy game. Seriously, the goveerment puts way to much time, money and effrot into shit like this, it's bullshit and a waste of fucking time. Fucking senators, why don't you try fixing real problems, like figuring out a way to get gas prices lowerd, or some other important shit.

[Kane Knight]

Originally Posted by KleptoKlown fuck me, if thats not the stupidest thing i've seen. this game was rated M, which is for 17+ year olds, yet she bought it for her 14 year old grandson....and nows she's suing? someone should sue her for buying this game for a minor. dumb fucking cunt.

I want to sue her for wasting our time and screwing up the legal system.

[Kane Knight]

Originally Posted by LoDownM This kinda shit is bullshit. They put a AO rating on this game, but not games like LSL, or the guy game. Seriously, the goveerment puts way to much time, money and effrot into shit like this, it's bullshit and a waste of fucking time. Fucking senators, why don't you try fixing real problems, like figuring out a way to get gas prices lowerd, or some other important shit.

Let's see...

Because the oil companies and car manufacturers have lobbyists, while the video games don't? This is a soft issue, because it's controversial enough to get media attention, but won't get anyone in trouble for rallying against it.

[Blanka]

This reminds me...

I'm going to sue Virgin Digital because their slogan is "Even your Grandma think's it's hot". And my grandmother was a diabetic and always cold, and she's also dead. Their slogan offends me. I demand $84916578941.34 for damage and suffering to my heart and emotions.