The CTA has caused mixed emotions for the video game community as advertising is scrutinized. Before the end of April, public transport in Chicago refused to allow GTA IV advertisements around their business. This was in response to some recent shootings, feeling it wouldn't do any good and Fox hinting it was a reason behind them.

Take-Two fought back, suing the transporters. Now for six weeks GTA IV will be advertising on public transport as the company licks its wounds from the settlement.

They also announced some grim news. Once they manage to pay back Take-Two, they will no longer advertise any games that are rated M or above.

The CTA made the earlier decision to remove the ads from the system following some violence in the city. The CTA felt that, based on the circumstances, it was in the best interest of our customers to remove the ads and further review the circumstances.

Last week, the CTA board voted to ban advertising for video games rated "M" and above. The ordinance, which takes effect Jan. 1, cites a "demonstrable correlation" between intensely violent video games and violent or aggressive behavior.

GP: Even though many M-rated games are fantastic examples of the creative arts, the transit agencies are essentially equating such games with smut. The industry needs to stand up for itself on this issue. Take-Two was right to sue the CTA over its GTA IV case, but the larger ban on M-rated games in general needs to be addressed by the ESA.

Dark Arcanine via gamepolitics.com »