July 27, 2005
NY woman sues over GTA sex scenes
A New York woman has filed suit in federal court against Rockstar Games and their parent company Take-Two Interactive.
85 year-old Florence Cohen is upset that the previously M rated game (17 and over) Grand Theft Auto San Andreas has been revealed to have graphic sexual content that can be unlocked with codes available on the internet. Cohen is seeking unspecified damages both for herself and on behalf of "consumers nationwide."
Florence Cohen of New York, said in the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan that the game's manufacturer, Rockstar Games, and its parent company, New York-based Take Two Interactive Software Inc., engaged in false, misleading and deceptive practices.While I fault Rockstar for including the graphic sexual content, which can be unlocked with the "Hot Coffee" mod code available on the internet, I get the distinct impression that this woman -- and her ambulance chasing lawyer -- are more interested in a quick payday than they are interested in justice.She sought unspecified damages on behalf of herself and all consumers nationwide, saying the company should give up its profits from the game for what amounted to false advertising, consumer deception and unfair business practices.
Cohen said in the suit that she bought the game in late 2004 for her grandson when it was rated "M" for mature, for players 17 and older. According to the suit, she directed that it be taken away from her grandson, which was done.
The game was released in October with an "M" rating. After a storm of negative publicity about the hidden scenes, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, an industry group responsible for rating games, changed the rating to "AO" for adults only.
This sounds like a case where "loser pays" legislation would be well used.
Posted by mhking at July 27, 2005 06:32 PM | TrackBackIt's not even graphic which is what is confusing about this entire incident. I have seen screen shots of what is open through a crack and it's nothing that anyone 17 or up can't see on a variety of broadcast television shows.
Furthermore, since you have to download a crack to get scenes to show up in the first place, these same "kids" (17 and up again or parents who are fine with their children buying a game which encourages killing people) could find a pleathora of sites that are far more explicit than what the crack opens up.
This is just an issue of trying to get money as you said, Michael. And some Senatory, who shall go nameless, has only entered the fray to score political points. Both actions in my book are shameless.
Posted by: Chad Evans at July 27, 2005 10:04 PMI sitll find it funny that no one talks about the rampant violence found in the game. You can kill cops and innocent bystanders with submachine guns. But somehow thats okay?
Posted by: Stone at July 28, 2005 11:50 AMwhats even better is that the GRANDMOTHER that is suing is mad cus the 14 year old that she bought the game for might see the scene. perhaps she didnt see the M rating designating that it was for 17+ ?
Posted by: mekender at July 31, 2005 12:16 AM