Following on from yesterday's news that saw Hillary Clinton announce plans to tackle Rockstar Games on the San Andreas 'Hot Coffee' mod, the firm has issued a statement regarding the imminent proceedings.
In a somewhat tongue-in-cheek release, Rockstar plays the injured cow very well, making continual references to its desire to keep inappropriate materials out of the hands of children. Now, we all know that these claims are disingenuous at best. Rockstar has repeatedly proven a desire to market Grand Theft Auto products to under-age consumers, details of which can be read here. However, it's always gotten away with it.
Rockstar's statement in full reads:
Rockstar also throws in some praise for its games from Time Magazine and The Chicago Tribune, eager no doubt to prove that what it has achieved is astonishingly successful and worthy of its blockbusting sales. Indeed, there is no question that the post GTA III era changed the face of mainstream gaming, with a mixture of sublime content and true genre-expanding innovation. The Grand Theft Auto games are simply amazing, a fact underlined by their seemingly endless success. Although it is now perhaps a matter of time before the time bomb of content explodes. The simple fact is that children are being regularly exposed to GTA games. Of course, the argument that parents should be aware of what content their children are using will be rolled out, though in the past this has not proven strong enough to sate the conservative pressure groups once the pack scents blood.
We'll keep you updated.
In a somewhat tongue-in-cheek release, Rockstar plays the injured cow very well, making continual references to its desire to keep inappropriate materials out of the hands of children. Now, we all know that these claims are disingenuous at best. Rockstar has repeatedly proven a desire to market Grand Theft Auto products to under-age consumers, details of which can be read here. However, it's always gotten away with it.
Rockstar's statement in full reads:
We fully support efforts to keep mature-rated video game content out of the hands of children. Although we may not agree with certain interpretations of our titles, we are looking forward to the opportunity for a balanced and open discussion of these issues. Now that video games are mainstream popular entertainment, parents need reliable solutions to ensure family members only play the games appropriate for their age group.
Thanks to advances in the digital and creative arts, the quality and variety of video games have never been greater. But just as some movies are rated R, some games are rated M because they are intended for mature audiences ages 17 and older. Their plots and storylines are inappropriate for children.
New technology means modern game designers can tell creative stories in groundbreaking and exciting new ways, but not all stories are for everyone. As the creators of Grand Theft Auto and other popular M-rated games, we join political leaders in fully supporting the video game rating system and any efforts to empower families to make the best choices for their homes.
We are disappointed by comments that misrepresent Grand Theft Auto, detracting from the innovative and artistic merits of the game. Unfortunately, the recent confusion only serves to suggest that games do not deserve the same treatment as other forms of creative expression. By promoting awareness, we can avoid propagating the fear and mistrust of a new entertainment medium.
Thanks to advances in the digital and creative arts, the quality and variety of video games have never been greater. But just as some movies are rated R, some games are rated M because they are intended for mature audiences ages 17 and older. Their plots and storylines are inappropriate for children.
New technology means modern game designers can tell creative stories in groundbreaking and exciting new ways, but not all stories are for everyone. As the creators of Grand Theft Auto and other popular M-rated games, we join political leaders in fully supporting the video game rating system and any efforts to empower families to make the best choices for their homes.
We are disappointed by comments that misrepresent Grand Theft Auto, detracting from the innovative and artistic merits of the game. Unfortunately, the recent confusion only serves to suggest that games do not deserve the same treatment as other forms of creative expression. By promoting awareness, we can avoid propagating the fear and mistrust of a new entertainment medium.
Rockstar also throws in some praise for its games from Time Magazine and The Chicago Tribune, eager no doubt to prove that what it has achieved is astonishingly successful and worthy of its blockbusting sales. Indeed, there is no question that the post GTA III era changed the face of mainstream gaming, with a mixture of sublime content and true genre-expanding innovation. The Grand Theft Auto games are simply amazing, a fact underlined by their seemingly endless success. Although it is now perhaps a matter of time before the time bomb of content explodes. The simple fact is that children are being regularly exposed to GTA games. Of course, the argument that parents should be aware of what content their children are using will be rolled out, though in the past this has not proven strong enough to sate the conservative pressure groups once the pack scents blood.
We'll keep you updated.
Read More Like This
Comments
Joji 16 Jul 2005 15:53
1/2
Well done Rockstar, you've defended your corner very well and made some points that are very valid concerning games in general and GTA. Hope those words get printed all over America's news papers etc.
Games deserve some respect that many easily give Hollywood and the music industry (even after years of them ripping us off). I find this quite amazing that even after making more money than the film industry now that they are still not given the credit they are due by most press/media groups.
Go Rockstar, go.
Games deserve some respect that many easily give Hollywood and the music industry (even after years of them ripping us off). I find this quite amazing that even after making more money than the film industry now that they are still not given the credit they are due by most press/media groups.
Go Rockstar, go.
BustyKrusty 17 Jul 2005 15:35
2/2
I don't know how can they stand this anymore,all those organizations continiously after them.If Rockstar puts an AO rating on GTA it wouldn't change that much to their sales i think cause all those 18+ could still get it only not in Wal-Mart but over the internet or in local gamestore from under the counter initially double-wrapped so the guy or kid standing by can't see even boxart.That's what i'd do anyway to appease ever growing anti-gaming community.I know Rockstar has good ol' argument, but one day, what if they lose against those people.
I don't even play GTA but these are good series and in my opinion should make that jump on next-gen for their own good.
I don't even play GTA but these are good series and in my opinion should make that jump on next-gen for their own good.