MADD wants GTA4 to be rated AO

[AdmiralViscen]

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6190213.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;3

Much like its unfortunate series of protagonists, the Grand Theft Auto series seems to be continually under fire. The latest parental interest group to put the game in its crosshairs is Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which commemorated Grand Theft Auto IV's release yesterday with its own official statement decrying the game.

Noting that drunk driving claims nearly 13,500 lives each year, MADD said that it is "extremely disappointed" that the game lets users get virtually drunk and then get behind the wheel of an equally virtual automobile.

"Drunk driving is not a game and it is not a joke," MADD said. "Drunk driving is a choice, a violent crime, and it is also 100 percent preventable."

MADD is asking the Entertainment Software Rating Board to bump Grand Theft Auto IV's rating up to AO for Adults Only from M for Mature. The ESRB's content descriptors for the game currently include "use of drugs and alcohol." The parental group also said that it is asking the game's "manufacturer" (presumably Take-Two Interactive) to consider stopping distribution out of a sense of social responsibility, or out of respect for those who've been hurt or killed by drunk drivers.

Fuck them bitches amirite.

[Eel O'Brian]

I think it would be funny if drinking actually made the cars drive better

[BlueTsunami]

Eel O' has got a point. I mean, whats a better case for NOT drinking and driving than experiencing GTAIVs version of it? You can't control the car, crash into shit, cops will arrest you on sight.

[Trent Dole]

I lost a sibling in a one car drunk driving accident fuckin' 19 years ago and think they should stfu.

[drew]

All this would do is fuck over everyone who's bought the game from ever trading it in @ Gamestop.  Just like with San Andreas.

[Don Flamenco]

but something like Ninja Gaiden 2, where you can completely de-limb a body, will go unnoticed.

[AdmiralViscen]

seriously, just make the game AO.

everyone who enjoyed and grew up playing GTA3 are surely over 18 now anyways.

It'd be interesting to see what happens - Walmart apparently wouldn't stock it - but would they throw away all those lovely sales?

Maybe it'd be the game that could break the AO barrier and allow the rating to be stocked in stores.

[MrAngryFace]

I think they should learn to focus on real issues.

[FatalT]

I think I'm gonna bang a MADD someday.

[Candyflip]

lol. Glorification of organized crime, drugs, drive-bys, carjacking, prostitution, and murder for sport, and they cite DUI as the reason the franchise's most recent installment deserves an AO rating. Glad their priorities are in order.

And a big fat at this:

The parental group also said that it is asking the game's "manufacturer" (presumably Take-Two Interactive) to consider stopping distribution out of a sense of social responsibility

[MoxManiac]

seriously, just make the game AO.

everyone who enjoyed and grew up playing GTA3 are surely over 18 now anyways.

It'd be interesting to see what happens - Walmart apparently wouldn't stock it - but would they throw away all those lovely sales?

From what I understand, Sony and MS don't usually let AO games go through. They'd probably make an exception for GTA4 if it was rated that way, though.

[Jabberwocky]

Every time a violent videogame becomes wildly popular this happens. Stupid cunts. 

[Powerslave]

I think I'm gonna bang a MADD someday.

MADDs

[Bloodwake]

Good Luck MADD trying to accomplish anything.

You won't. You will bitch. Your efforts will be futile.

Nothing can stop GTAIV.

[Hitler Stole My Potato]

Now that MADD has spoke, I'm waiting for GLAAD to speak up.  I mean they gotta say something about that mission where you set up a date on the internet with French Tom, right?  It just seems they're asking for controversy.

[Rman]

The other issue with AO games is that all big box retailers do not stock AO games.  Take2, would never ship an AO game as a result.  Look at Manhunt 2.

[Olivia Wilde Homo]

This is obviously planted Microsoft agents willing to get the game sales reduced to almost nothing, damaging the Year of PS3.

[brawndolicious]

it makes sene that they would oppose drunk driving sims.  of course rockstar put that in knowing that it would get that sort of response and publicity.

[Bildi]

Great job on raising public awareness on this game you dumb bitches.  Rockstar's marketing department must have one of the easiest jobs around.