Originally Posted by Wanadoo
Uh-oh. Rockstar Games, the company behind the controversial Grand Theft Auto series, is in trouble yet again. The latest storm concerns the PC version of GTA: San Andreas and, in particular, a modification file – or ‘mod’ – called Hot Coffee. The unofficial mod, freely available on the Internet, allows the player to take part in X-rated mini-games. These games feature the main character, CJ Johnson, getting lucky (ahem) with various girlfriends in a number of rather kinky situations.
But does the mod add sexual content to the game, or does it merely unlock existing code on the disc, as the mod’s Dutch author claims? If it’s the latter, Rockstar could be in hot water with the American-based ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board), which is investigating the matter following complaints.
The board awarded GTA: San Andreas an M (mature) rating in the US, meaning no one under the age of 17 should play it without an adult's consent. But if the game is found to contain sexually explicit content, it could become the first title classified as AO (Adult-only). Rockstar could also be hit with penalties for hiding content from the classification board. The equivalent bodies in the UK – where the game is rated ‘18’ – have yet to comment.
