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Grand Theft Auto IV rated "Mature" by ESRB

March 28, 2008 in News comments 15

As seen in the latest Grand Theft Auto IV trailer, "Everyone's A Rat", the Entertainment Software Ratings Board have awarded a "Mature" rating to Rockstar Games' upcoming free roam action sequel. The ESRB content warnings, which could easily be confused with an interesting evening out, include "Use of Drugs and Alcohol", "Partial Nudity" and "Strong Sexual Content".

Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 owners worldwide will be able to experience the potentially offensive content of Grand Theft Auto IV for themselves on April 29... as long as they are over the age of 17, that is!

The Entertainment Software Ratings Board has weighed in on the potentially objectionable content in Grand Theft Auto IV, giving it an "M" rating, citing the game as having "Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol, Blood, and Intense Violence." One might suspect that, given the "AO" controversy surrounding Rockstar Games' Manhunt 2 and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' "Hot Coffee" mod, the ESRB did its due diligence and more when reviewing the contents of GTA IV.

One might also suspect that, when the game is finally release, opportunistic, fear mongering elected officials, clueless mainstream media and glory seeking attorneys may find extra content not listed, including Virtual Rape, Cop Killing, Overt Racism, Gerbil Abuse, Being On Someone's Lawn and Buggery. We're looking forward to a fun ride.
Xenctuary via kotaku.com »
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  • 0
    auctoria Mar 28, 08
    I so wish I was part of the ERSB.
  • 1
    Subzer0 Mar 28, 08
    Sweet! I can't wait! C'mon April 29th!
  • 1
    Dio Mar 28, 08
    Thankfully it's not rated AO, haha.

    Might want to fix the title though, it's ESRB not ERSB.
    • 0
      Xenctuary Mar 28, 08
      Whoops! I'll have it edited!
  • 0
    Slumpy monkey Mar 28, 08
    "Strong Sexual Content"

    I love this game....
  • 0
    SSJ4majin vegeta Mar 29, 08
    i realise it may well suppose to be verbal abuse, but i think someone made a typo and it came out 'Gerbil abuse'

    in which case that would be funny, go around beating up peoples gerbils lol
  • 0
    Steel Magnolia Mar 29, 08
    So what age do you have to be to buy a game rated AO?
    • 0
      Xenctuary Mar 29, 08
      The large majority of game retailers refuse to stock such titles for obvious reasons, not the least of which to protect their sales image.

      Edit: Not only that but it seems Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo actually prohibit the release of Adults Only titles on their consoles.
      • 0
        Steel Magnolia Mar 29, 08
        So an AO rating is basically banning them from everyone? If so, why don't they just call it banned?
        • 0
          Xenctuary Mar 29, 08
          It's not really a "ban" per se, but is effectively as good as.
  • 0
    Steel Magnolia Mar 29, 08
    I have just read your first edit. So if the three console giants won't release them, I guess PC gamers are the only ones who can even get these games.

    So over here, we have the rating 18 and then banned, correct? There is no middle ground.
    • 0
      Xenctuary Mar 29, 08
      I believe there's a Restricted 18+ BBFC rating too, which is pretty much geared toward pornography. You need a license to sell or show such material here in the UK.
  • 0
    The Power Mar 29, 08
    I have mine pre-ordered, and have done since the start of Feb, got it for £30, wa well chuffed. Not too long to wait now
  • 0
    IAMJOB56 Mar 30, 08
    Why does the 'M' rating suprise anyone!?
  • 0
    Storm Mar 30, 08
    An expected rating that'll certainly live up to it's...well...rating.

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