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Re-wrote most of the article, re-arranging and merging sections where necessary. The "Jack Thompson" and "New York City officials" sections can likely be merged; I'll look into doing this later today (don't have time at the moment).
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Controversies surrounding ''Grand Theft Auto IV''}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Controversies surrounding ''Grand Theft Auto IV''}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2013}}
'''''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]''''' (often abbreviated to '''''GTA IV''''' and '''''GTA 4''''') is a [[Sandbox (video games)|sandbox-style]] [[action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[video game]] developed by [[Rockstar North]].<ref>"''Grand Theft Auto IV'': ''GamePro'' is the first to play the biggest game of 2008," ''GamePro'' 235 (April 2008): 50-51.</ref> It is the eleventh title in the [[Grand Theft Auto (series)|''Grand Theft Auto'' series]] and the first in its fourth generation. ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was released worldwide (except Japan, which it was released later on 30 October 2008)<ref name="japan">{{cite web| last = Tanaka| first = John| title = GTAIV Heads to Japan| work = [[IGN]]| publisher = | date = 22 April 2008| url = http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/868/868751p1.html| accessdate =25 April 2008}}</ref> on 29 April 2008.
''[[Grand Theft Auto IV]]'' is an [[open world]], [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] video game developed by [[Rockstar North]] and published by [[Rockstar Games]]. Upon its release on 29 April 2008 for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]], ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' generated controversy. The game's depiction of violence received mass commentary from journalists and government officials, occasionally being referred to as a "terrorist simulator". The ability to [[Driving under the influence|drive under the influence of alcohol]] in the game also received criticism, resulting in a request for the [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]] to change the game's [[Video game content rating system|rating]].

Prior to and since its release, the game has been subject to a great deal of [[Video game controversy|controversy]].


==Jack Thompson==
==Jack Thompson==
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On 25 April 2008, it was reported in ''[[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro]]'' that Jack Thompson had written a letter to the mother of Strauss Zelnick, Director of [[Take-Two Interactive]]. In the letter, which strongly criticised the game, Zelnick, and his mother, Thompson called ''Grand Theft Auto'' a "murder simulator". He went on to say that "The pornography and violence that your son trafficks in is the kind of stuff that most mothers would be ashamed to see their son putting into the hands of other mothers' children". Thompson then questions Strauss Zelnick's upbringing and says that his mother should be ashamed of herself, and that she "...spared the rod and spoiled the child. That would explain why he has brought you, by the way he presently acts, to shame." He finishes by saying "Happy Mothers' Day, Mrs Zelnick, which this year is 11 May, two weeks after your son unleashes porn and violence upon other mothers' boys. I'm sure you're very proud." Neither Take-Two Interactive nor Rockstar Games have made any comment regarding the matter.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jack Thompson hounds Rockstar boss'... MOTHER|publisher=computerandvideogames.com|date=25 April 2008|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=187662|accessdate=25 April 2008}}</ref> Thompson subsequently claimed he sent the letter to Zelnick's lawyer, not his mother, and that the letter was formulated as a parody intended to induce feelings of "shame" in Zelnick.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jack Thompson's Open Letter to Take-Two CEO's Mother|publisher=diehardgamefan.insidepulse.com|date=22 April 2008|url=http://diehardgamefan.insidepulse.com/2008/04/22/jack-thompsons-open-letter-to-take-two-ceos-mother/|accessdate=22 April 2008}}</ref>
On 25 April 2008, it was reported in ''[[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro]]'' that Jack Thompson had written a letter to the mother of Strauss Zelnick, Director of [[Take-Two Interactive]]. In the letter, which strongly criticised the game, Zelnick, and his mother, Thompson called ''Grand Theft Auto'' a "murder simulator". He went on to say that "The pornography and violence that your son trafficks in is the kind of stuff that most mothers would be ashamed to see their son putting into the hands of other mothers' children". Thompson then questions Strauss Zelnick's upbringing and says that his mother should be ashamed of herself, and that she "...spared the rod and spoiled the child. That would explain why he has brought you, by the way he presently acts, to shame." He finishes by saying "Happy Mothers' Day, Mrs Zelnick, which this year is 11 May, two weeks after your son unleashes porn and violence upon other mothers' boys. I'm sure you're very proud." Neither Take-Two Interactive nor Rockstar Games have made any comment regarding the matter.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jack Thompson hounds Rockstar boss'... MOTHER|publisher=computerandvideogames.com|date=25 April 2008|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=187662|accessdate=25 April 2008}}</ref> Thompson subsequently claimed he sent the letter to Zelnick's lawyer, not his mother, and that the letter was formulated as a parody intended to induce feelings of "shame" in Zelnick.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jack Thompson's Open Letter to Take-Two CEO's Mother|publisher=diehardgamefan.insidepulse.com|date=22 April 2008|url=http://diehardgamefan.insidepulse.com/2008/04/22/jack-thompsons-open-letter-to-take-two-ceos-mother/|accessdate=22 April 2008}}</ref>


==Glenn Beck==
On [[Glenn Beck (TV program)|his program]], [[Glenn Beck]], a [[conservative]] [[United States|US]] talk-radio host, used ''GTA IV'' as an example to make wider claims about the use of violent video games by the US military, repeating claims made by [[Lieutenant Colonel (United States)|Lt. Col.]] [[Dave Grossman (author)|Dave Grossman]] that the US military uses first person shooting games to de-sensitise soldiers to killing.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzr138ijmaQ CNN Headline News - Grand Theft Morality Pt.1]. [[YouTube]]. Retrieved 7 May 2008.</ref>

In the second segment of the show, Beck spoke to [[Jack Thompson (attorney)|Jack Thompson]] and Gavin McKiernan, national grass roots director for the [[Parents Television Council]]. Thompson called the game "a murder simulator" and went on to make unsubstantiated claims about actions that the player could perform in the game.
McKiernan added "This is really an adult product we're talking about" and went on to claim that [[media violence research|research]] into media violence had shown the potential effect [[violent media]] could have on children. He went on to claim that there was a definite difference between violence in movies and violence in video games.
Thompson said the game should be rated [[Entertainment Software Rating Board#Restricted ratings|Adults Only]], saying "the sex in the game was taken out so it could even be sold to adults in [[Australia]]."
Thompson claimed that the ESRB rating for the game was "phoney", to appease large stores that refuse to sell adult rated games.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqSCLrtioEI CNN Headline News - Grand Theft Morality Pt.2] [[YouTube]]. Retrieved 7 May 2008.</ref>


==New York City officials==
==New York City officials==
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After the release of the first [[Trailer (film)|trailer]] for the game, New York City officials were appalled with the choice of their city as the inspiration for the setting of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'', and said that a game like ''GTA'' does not represent the city's crime levels accurately.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=161197|title=New York appalled with GTA IV setting|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|accessdate=1 April 2007}}</ref> A spokesperson for Mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]] said, "The mayor does not support any video game where you earn points for injuring or killing police officers." Although no points are awarded throughout the game, the player is required to kill or injure police officers on certain occasions to advance in the game's main story.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gendar|first=Alison|author2=Pereira, Ivan |author3=Saul, Michael |date=31 March 2007|url= http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/2007/03/31/2007-03-31_pols_rage_as_vid_game_takes_shot_at_city-4.html|title=Pols rage as vid game takes shot at city|publisher=NYDailyNews.com|accessdate=1 April 2007 | location=New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/827005/page_72.html|title=IGN Guides|accessdate=24 March 2009}}</ref> As a response, [[Jason Della Rocca]], executive director of the [[International Game Developers Association]], accused New York City officials of [[double standard]]s, for criticising video games but not other forms of entertainment, such as books, films and television shows, which use New York City as the setting.<ref>{{cite web|author=Millard, Elizabeth|work=newsfactor.com|date=2 April 2007|url= http://www.newsfactor.com/news/New-York-Balks-at-Grand-Theft-Auto/story.xhtml?story_id=0300003HXXO0|title=New York Balks at Next Grand Theft Auto}}</ref>
After the release of the first [[Trailer (film)|trailer]] for the game, New York City officials were appalled with the choice of their city as the inspiration for the setting of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'', and said that a game like ''GTA'' does not represent the city's crime levels accurately.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=161197|title=New York appalled with GTA IV setting|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|accessdate=1 April 2007}}</ref> A spokesperson for Mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]] said, "The mayor does not support any video game where you earn points for injuring or killing police officers." Although no points are awarded throughout the game, the player is required to kill or injure police officers on certain occasions to advance in the game's main story.<ref>{{cite news|last=Gendar|first=Alison|author2=Pereira, Ivan |author3=Saul, Michael |date=31 March 2007|url= http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/2007/03/31/2007-03-31_pols_rage_as_vid_game_takes_shot_at_city-4.html|title=Pols rage as vid game takes shot at city|publisher=NYDailyNews.com|accessdate=1 April 2007 | location=New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://guides.ign.com/guides/827005/page_72.html|title=IGN Guides|accessdate=24 March 2009}}</ref> As a response, [[Jason Della Rocca]], executive director of the [[International Game Developers Association]], accused New York City officials of [[double standard]]s, for criticising video games but not other forms of entertainment, such as books, films and television shows, which use New York City as the setting.<ref>{{cite web|author=Millard, Elizabeth|work=newsfactor.com|date=2 April 2007|url= http://www.newsfactor.com/news/New-York-Balks-at-Grand-Theft-Auto/story.xhtml?story_id=0300003HXXO0|title=New York Balks at Next Grand Theft Auto}}</ref>


==Edited release==
== Censored release ==
⚫
Despite confirmation in February 2008 that the Australian version of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' would not be edited,<ref name="palgn-nocensor">{{cite web |url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?title=Aussie+version+of+GTA+IV+completely+uncensored&id=10235&&sid=3147d0248877ca2a93a4c0a4d9e54454 |title=Aussie version of GTA IV completely uncensored |last=Van Leuveren |first=Luke |work=[[PALGN]] |date=4 February 2008 |accessdate=6 April 2008 }}</ref> Rockstar later revealed that some features would be censored. The game was assigned an MA15+ rating on 11 December 2007. Rockstar stated that a special version of the game was produced to comply with the Australian classification system.<ref name="smh-censor">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.smh.com.au/screenplay/archives/017808.html |title=GTA IV edited for Australia |last=Hill |first=Jacob |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher=[[Fairfax Media]] |date=4 April 2008 |accessdate=5 April 2008 }}</ref>
While there is no official confirmation as to what was removed in the edited version of the game,<ref name="Cut">{{cite web|url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2008/05/australian_and_unmodified_gta_iv_compared/ |title=What Was Cut? Australian And Unmodified GTA IV Compared &#124; Kotaku Australia |publisher=Kotaku.com.au |accessdate=11 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Booker |first=Logan |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2008/04/guess_what_we_didnt_find_in_the_oflc_board_report_for_gta_iv/ |title=Guess What We Didn’t Find in the OFLC Board Report For GTA IV? &#124; Kotaku Australia |publisher=Kotaku.com.au |date=17 April 2008 |accessdate=21 August 2010}}</ref> blood pooling has been removed.<ref name="Cut"/>

===Australia===
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Despite confirmation in February 2008 that the Australian version of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' would not be edited in any way,<ref name="palgn-nocensor">{{cite web |url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?title=Aussie+version+of+GTA+IV+completely+uncensored&id=10235&&sid=3147d0248877ca2a93a4c0a4d9e54454 |title=Aussie version of GTA IV completely uncensored |accessdate=6 April 2008 |last=Van Leuveren |first=Luke |date=4 February 2008 |work=PALGN}}</ref> Rockstar later told ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' journalist Jason Hill that the Australian version would be edited.<ref name="smh-censor">{{cite web |url=http://blogs.smh.com.au/screenplay/archives/017808.html |title=GTA IV edited for Australia |accessdate=5 April 2008 |last=Hill |first=Jason |date=4 April 2008 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref>

''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was given an MA15+ rating on 11 December 2007. In a post on his blog, Jason Hill stated that a Rockstar spokesperson confirmed to ''The Sydney Morning Herald'''s video game section, Screenplay, that the company had produced a special version of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' to comply with the Australian classification system. The spokesperson would not comment on what has been cut from the game.<ref name="smh-censor" />

Cuts in the Australian [[PlayStation 3]] edition are as follows:<ref name="refused-classification.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.refused-classification.com/Games_GTA.htm#gta4 |title=Grand Theft Auto Series &#124; Censor |publisher=Refused-Classification.com |accessdate=11 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="r18games.com.au">{{cite web|url=http://www.r18games.com.au/gta/ |title=R18+ Games Australia » Grand Theft Auto IV |publisher=R18games.com.au |date=29 April 2008 |accessdate=21 August 2010}}</ref>
* When picking up prostitutes, you are not able to select your 'service'. Like previous Australian ''Grand Theft Auto'' releases, all sexual animations have also been removed. The car will simply lock-on to a rear view, and the car will bounce up and down.
* Blood pools do not ooze out of victims bodies. In the uncut version, bloody footprints also appear when walking through blood pools, and the same happens with bloody tire tracks when driving through them. This is not available in the Australian edit.
* When characters are injured in the edited release, the injuries are of a lot less impact, "replacing graphic bullet wounds and blood patches with slight discolouration"<ref name="r18games.com.au"/>

When it came time to release the game in Australia on the PC, however, Rockstar submitted a completely uncut edition to the [[Australian Classification Board]] to review, which they rated MA15+ without any editing or alterations. An official statement from Rockstar Games confirms this:
"''Grand Theft Auto'' IV PC has been rated MA15+ [for] Strong Violence, Sex Scenes, Coarse Language and Drug References by the Australian Classification Office. The PC game is unedited in any way and identical in content to the international version." <ref name="refused-classification.com"/><ref name="r18games.com.au"/>

Since 23 March 2010 in [[Australia]], all the editions of ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' have been completely uncut.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}}

===New Zealand===
It was announced on 15 April 2008, and subsequently reported across the Internet, that the New Zealand release would be receiving the edited Australian version<ref name="GTAGaming-NZEdit">{{cite web |url=http://www.gtagaming.com/gtagaming/news/comments.php?i=1281 |title=New Zealand version of GTA IV also cut |accessdate=16 April 2008 |work=GTAGaming.com}}</ref> with Take-Two Interactive Support Team citing "time scales and logistical reasons" as the reason.<ref name="GTAGaming-NZCutReason">Take-Two Interactive Support Question #080418-000003</ref> Later, on 5 May 2008, it was confirmed the original version of the game had been submitted to the OFLC.<ref name="GTAGaming-NZCutNoMore">{{cite web |url=http://www.geekpulp.co.nz/2008/05/05/uncut-gta-iv-submitted-to-oflc-for-new-zealand-classification/ |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080508191119/http://www.geekpulp.co.nz/2008/05/05/uncut-gta-iv-submitted-to-oflc-for-new-zealand-classification/ |archivedate=8 May 2008 |title="Uncut" GTA IV Submitted to OFLC for New Zealand Classification |accessdate=5 May 2008}}</ref> On 21 May 2008, the original and uncut game was now officially classified by the New Zealand OFLC thus legal to sell in the country.<ref name="GTA IV Uncut in NZ">{{cite web|url=http://www.geekpulp.co.nz/2008/05/21/gta-iv-uncut-hits-new-zealand-streets/|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080522035813/http://www.geekpulp.co.nz/2008/05/21/gta-iv-uncut-hits-new-zealand-streets/|archivedate=22 May 2008 | title=GTA IV Uncut Hits New Zealand Streets | accessdate=21 May 2008}}</ref>

==Mothers Against Drunk Driving==
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The organisation [[Mothers Against Drunk Driving]] (MADD) sharply criticized an in-game option that allows players to [[Driving under the influence|drive while intoxicated]] and called for a stricter rating on the game that would effectively ban its sale in the [[United States]]. "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 and calling for Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games 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]].<ref name="MADD">{{cite web|author=2:46PM PDT |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/news/mothers-against-gtaivs-drunk-driving-6190213 |title=Mothers against GTAIV's drunk driving - GameSpot.com |publisher=Uk.gamespot.com |date=29 April 2008 |accessdate=11 January 2013}}</ref>
The ESRB describes that the game includes "Use of drugs and Alcohol".{{cn|date=December 2013}}


Features censored in the Australian versions include: the inability to select a "service" when hiring a prostitute, and the restriction of animation and camera angles; the lack of blood pools and bloody footprints; the replacement of bullet wounds and blood patches with "slight discolouration".<ref name="Cut">{{cite web |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2008/05/australian_and_unmodified_gta_iv_compared/ |title=What Was Cut? Australian And Unmodified GTA IV Compared |last=Booker |first=Logan |work=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |date=27 May 2008 |accessdate=9 December 2014 }}</ref> For the game's PC release, the uncensored version of the game was awarded MA15+ in Australia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5100659/for-some-reason-australia-is-getting-an-uncut-gta-iv-on-pc |title=For Some Reason, Australia Is Getting An Uncut GTA IV On PC |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |work=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |date=2 December 2008 |accessdate=7 December 2014 }}</ref> Following the release of ''The Lost and Damned'', Rockstar distributed a [[Patch (gaming)|patch]] which uncensored the Australian release for consoles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/gaming/news/a147428/gta-iv-updated-with-uncensored-patch.html#~oXQMmsgdOXk9Xs |title='GTA IV' updated with uncensored patch |last=Reynolds |first=Matthew |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Corporation]] |date=21 February 2009 |accessdate=12 December 2014 }}</ref>
Rockstar issued a statement to the Associated Press, saying "We have a great deal of respect for MADD's mission, but we believe the mature audience for ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' is more than sophisticated enough to understand the game's content."<ref name="AP">{{cite web|last=Lang |first=Derrik J. |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24405072/ |title=MADD attacks 'Grand Theft Auto IV' - Technology & science - Games - msnbc.com |publisher=MSNBC |date=5 January 2008 |accessdate=21 August 2010}}</ref> When attempting to enter a car while drunk in the game, the main character, Niko Bellic, will remark that he shouldn't drive drunk, and the player is encouraged to call a taxi instead. In addition to being extremely difficult to drive a car while intoxicated, in-game police will pursue the player if they are seen driving while intoxicated, leading to the risk of substantial monetary penalty for Niko. The game also allows only one circumstance in which Niko can get drunk - going for a drink with a friend or while out on a date; otherwise, the player cannot casually cause Niko to become intoxicated.


On 15 April 2008, it was announced that the New Zealand release of the game would be identical to the censored Australian release,<ref name="GTAGaming-NZEdit">{{cite web |url=http://www.gtagaming.com/gtagaming/news/comments.php?i=1281 |title=New Zealand version of GTA IV also cut |accessdate=16 April 2008 |work=GTAGaming.com}}</ref> with Take-Two Interactive attributing "time scales and logistical reasons".<ref name="GTAGaming-NZCutReason">Take-Two Interactive Support Question #080418-000003</ref> However, the game was resubmitted to the New Zealand [[Office of Film and Literature Classification (New Zealand)|OFLC]] by Stan Calif, a 21-year-old student who was unhappy that New Zealand received an edited version of the game as a result of Australian censorship laws. The unedited version was subsequently given an R18 rating and cleared for sale in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/entertainment/uncut-version-of-grand-theft-auto-iv-now-available-in-nz-2008052218 |title=Uncut version of Grand Theft Auto IV now available in NZ |work=[[3 News]] |publisher=[[MediaWorks New Zealand|MediaWorks]] |date=22 May 2008 |accessdate=7 December 2014 }}</ref>
==Chicago Transit Authority lawsuit==
⚫
Take-Two has filed a lawsuit in response to the [[Chicago Transit Authority]] pulling ads promoting ''GTA IV'' from their property, violating a contract for the ads to go until June 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSN0541723720080505 |title = "Grand Theft Auto" publisher sues over pulled ads |accessdate =8 May 2008 |author = Kearney, Christine; Trotta, Daniel; Eastham, Todd |date = 5 May 2008 |publisher = Reuters }}</ref> A CTA representative said that the ads were removed due to complaints in 2004 surrounding the ad campaign for ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://gamespot.com/news/6189790.html |title = GTAIV ads pulled because of San Andreas flap |accessdate =8 May 2008 |author = Sinclair, Brendan |date = 28 April 2008 |publisher = [[GameSpot]] }}</ref> [[Miami-Dade Transit]] might also be facing a similar lawsuit due to similar circumstances.


== Drunk driving option ==
==Little Lacy Surprise Pageant==
⚫
The [[Nonprofit organization|nonprofit organisation]] [[Mothers Against Drunk Driving]] (MADD) criticised the game for an option allowing players to [[Driving under the influence|drive under the influence of alcohol]]. MADD referred to the action as a "choice, a violent crime", and that it is "100 percent preventable".<ref name="MADD"/> As a result, MADD requested for the [[Entertainment Software Rating Board]] to change the [[Video game content rating system|rating]] of the game from ''Mature'' (17+) to ''Adults Only'' (18+), effectively removing the game from retail stock. They also asked Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games to consider halting the game's distribution out of a sense of social responsibility, or out of respect for victims of driving under the influence.<ref name="MADD">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mothers-against-gtaivs-drunk-driving/1100-6190213/ |title=Mothers against GTAIV's drunk driving |last=Sinclair |first=Brendan |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=30 April 2008 |accessdate=9 December 2014 }}</ref> Rockstar later issued a statement to the [[Associated Press]]:
<!--This article uses British English spelling please do not change the spelling of paedophilia -->
<blockquote>We have a great deal of respect for MADD's mission, but we believe the mature audience for ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' is more than sophisticated enough to understand the game's content.<ref name="AP">{{cite web |url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/24405072/ns/technology_and_science-games/t/madd-attacks-grand-theft-auto-iv/#.VIW9EtKUd1Y |title=MADD attacks 'Grand Theft Auto IV' |last=Lang |first=Derrik J. |work=[[NBC News]] |publisher=[[National Broadcasting Company]] |date=1 May 2008 |accessdate=9 December 2014 }}</ref></blockquote>
In the UK on 16 June 2008, ''[[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]]'' reported the presence of an in-game internet resource called "Little Lacy Surprise Pageant" available on the in-game internet.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/fun/gadget/1295469/Grand-Theft-Auto-has-spoof-perv-site.html |title = Video game has spoof perv site |accessdate =16 June 2008 |author = Weinberg, Jonathan |date = 16 June 2008 |work = [[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]] }}</ref> This is a reference to the fake commercials heard on the fictitious radio stations in ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]]''. The fake site–www.littlelacysurprisepageant.com–displays a message from virtual authorities saying it has been closed down. It warns that anyone caught looking at it will be investigated and features the warning: "We see it all, we know it all," which is similar to the quote "''Don't think you can't get caught. You are not anonymous.''" found at [[Grokster.com]]. The player's Wanted level immediately jumps to 5 stars, resulting in both police and <!-- This is the name of a fictional in-game organisation. It is FIB not FBI-->FIB<!-- Please do not change--> (Federal Investigation Bureau) involvement in their arrest.


== Depiction of violence ==
The domain name address is just one of dozens of fake sites in ''GTA IV''. Typing it into a real internet browser redirects users to the official website for the game.
''Grand Theft Auto IV'' has been widely criticised for its depiction of violence and murder. On [[Glenn Beck (TV program)|his program]], [[conservative]] American talk-radio host [[Glenn Beck]] used ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' as an example to make wider claims about the use of violent video games by the US military, repeating claims made by [[Lieutenant Colonel (United States)|Lt. Col.]] [[Dave Grossman (author)|Dave Grossman]] that the military uses shooting games to desensitise soldiers to killing.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzr138ijmaQ CNN Headline News - Grand Theft Morality Pt.1]. [[YouTube]]. Retrieved 7 May 2008.</ref> Beck also spoke to [[Jack Thompson (attorney)|Jack Thompson]], who labelled the game as a "murder simulator". Gavin McKiernan, national grass roots director for the [[Parents Television Council]], added that the game is an "adult product", claiming that [[Media violence research|research]] displays the potential effect [[violent media]] has on children. Thompson reiterated that the game should be re-rated in the United States, referring to the [[#Censored release|Australian release]] as an example.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqSCLrtioEI CNN Headline News - Grand Theft Morality Pt.2] [[YouTube]]. Retrieved 7 May 2008.</ref>


⚫
There have been a number of reported crimes in which the perpetrators cited ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' as their primary influence. On 27 June 2008, six teenagers were arrested after participating in a crime spree in [[New Hyde Park, New York]]. The teenagers mugged a man, knocking his teeth out, attempted to hijack a car, and smashed a passing van with a bat. According to the [[Police Department County of Nassau|Nassau County Police]], the teenagers claimed that they were inspired by ''Grand Theft Auto IV''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--crimespree0626jun26,0,701634.story |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080629191343/http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--crimespree0626jun26,0,701634.story |archivedate = 29 June 2008 |title = 6 teens arrested in NY crime spree |accessdate =27 June 2008|date = 26 June 2008 |publisher = [[Newsday]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.newsday.com/news/local/crime/ny-lirob275743162jun27,0,4494415.story |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080630075011/http://www.newsday.com/news/local/crime/ny-lirob275743162jun27,0,4494415.story |archivedate = 30 June 2008 |title = Cops: Grand Theft Auto video game inspired teen crimes |accessdate =27 June 2008 |author = Chayes, Matthew |date = 27 June 2008 |publisher = [[Newsday]] }}</ref>
==New Hyde Park crime spree==
⚫
On 27 June 2008, police arrested six teenagers who went on a crime spree in the town of [[New Hyde Park, New York]]. The group mugged a man, knocking his teeth out, attempted to car-jack a woman driving a BMW and smashed a passing van with a bat. According to the [[Police Department County of Nassau|Nassau County Police]], the teens claimed they were inspired by [[Niko Bellic]] perpetrating violent crimes in ''Grand Theft Auto IV''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--crimespree0626jun26,0,701634.story |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080629191343/http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--crimespree0626jun26,0,701634.story |archivedate = 29 June 2008 |title = 6 teens arrested in NY crime spree |accessdate =27 June 2008|date = 26 June 2008 |publisher = [[Newsday]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.newsday.com/news/local/crime/ny-lirob275743162jun27,0,4494415.story |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080630075011/http://www.newsday.com/news/local/crime/ny-lirob275743162jun27,0,4494415.story |archivedate = 30 June 2008 |title = Cops: Grand Theft Auto video game inspired teen crimes |accessdate =27 June 2008 |author = Chayes, Matthew |date = 27 June 2008 |publisher = [[Newsday]] }}</ref>


⚫
On 4 August 2008, [[Newsbeat|BBC Newsbeat]] reported that an 18-year-old student had been arrested in [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]] for the murder of a [[Taxicab|taxi]] driver after attempting to hijack the vehicle. Bangkok police captain Veerarit Pipatanasak stated that the student "wanted to find out if it was as easy in real life to rob a taxi as it was in the game".<ref name="Reuters"/> According to local sources, the student wished to rob the taxi driver to obtain money to continue playing the game in an [[Video arcade|arcade]].<ref name="Reuters">{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLAU42753320080804 |title=Thai youth imitates Grand Theft Auto in cab murder &#124; Reuters |publisher=Uk.reuters.com |date= 4 August 2008|accessdate=21 August 2010}}</ref> The ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' was subsequently banned in Thailand as a result.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/technology/newsid_7540000/7540623.stm |title=Thailand bans Grand Theft Auto IV |accessdate=4 August 2008 |author=Reed, Jim |date=4 August 2008 |publisher=BBC Newsbeat }}</ref> On 24 August 2013, [[Sky News]] reported that a 90-year-old woman was killed in [[Slaughter, Louisiana]] when an eight-year-old boy grabbed a handgun and shot her in the head after playing ''Grand Theft Auto IV''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1132826/boy-8-kills-gran-after-playing-video-game |title=Boy, 8, Kills Gran After Playing Video Game |accessdate=24 August 2013 |author= Sky News|date=24 August 2013 |publisher=Sky News }}</ref>
==Thailand taxi driver murder==
⚫
On 4 August 2008, [[Newsbeat|BBC Newsbeat]] reported that an 18 year-old student had been arrested in [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]] after he killed the driver of a [[taxicab|taxi]] while attempting to steal it. Bangkok police captain Veerarit Pipatanasak stated "He wanted to find out if it was as easy in real life to rob a taxi as it was in the game."<ref name="Reuters"/> According to local sources, the student was playing the game in an [[Video arcade|arcade]] and wanted to rob the taxi driver to get money to continue playing the game.<ref name="Reuters">{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKLAU42753320080804 |title=Thai youth imitates Grand Theft Auto in cab murder &#124; Reuters |publisher=Uk.reuters.com |date= 4 August 2008|accessdate=21 August 2010}}</ref>


== Sexual and nudity allegations ==
As a result of this incident, the game (along with the whole series) was subsequently banned in Thailand.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/technology/newsid_7540000/7540623.stm |title=Thailand bans Grand Theft Auto IV |accessdate=4 August 2008 |author=Reed, Jim |date=4 August 2008 |publisher=BBC Newsbeat }}</ref>
On 16 June 2008, British newspaper ''[[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]]'' reported the presence of an in-game Internet resource titled "Little Lacy Surprise Pageant"–a reference to the fake commercials featured in ''[[Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories]]'' (2006). The in-game resource warns that anyone caught viewing the website will be investigated, followed by a statement similar to the quote found at [[Grokster.com]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/fun/gadget/1295469/Grand-Theft-Auto-has-spoof-perv-site.html |title=Video game has spoof perv site |last=Weinberg |first=Jonathan |work=[[The Sun (newspaper)|The Sun]] |publisher=[[News UK]] |date=16 June 2008 |accessdate=9 December 2014 }}</ref>


''[[Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned]]'', the first [[Episodic video game|episodic expansion]] to ''Grand Theft Auto IV'', features a cutscene displaying full-frontal nudity.<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned]] |developer=[[Rockstar North]] |publisher=[[Rockstar Games]] |date=29 April 2008 |platform=[[Xbox 360]] |version=1.0 |level="Politics" }}</ref> As a result, parents group [[Common Sense Media]] condemned the expansion, issuing a public warning against the nudity. The organisation claimed that the inclusion of nudity resulted in the game's status as "more controversial than its predecessors".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wired.com/2009/02/parents-group-w/ |title=Parents Group Warns Against Lost And Damned Nudity |last=Cavalli |first=Earnest |work=[[Wired (website)|Wired]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=21 February 2009 |accessdate=9 December 2014 }}</ref>
==Male full-frontal nudity==
''The Lost and Damned'' expansion pack was condemned by parents group Common Sense Media who issued a public warning against the pack's content due to a full-frontal nudity scene during one of the cut scenes. They claimed the game was "more controversial than its predecessors" because it featured "full frontal male nudity".<ref>{{cite web|last=Cavalli |first=Earnest |url=http://blog.wired.com/games/2009/02/parents-group-w.html |title=Parents Group Warns Against Lost And Damned Nudity &#124; Game&#124;Life &#124; Wired.com |publisher=Blog.wired.com |date=21 February 2009 |accessdate=11 January 2013}}</ref>


== Legal action ==
==Killing of 90-year-old grandmother==
⚫
Take-Two Interactive filed a lawsuit in response to the [[Chicago Transit Authority]] (CTA) removing advertisements promoting the game from their property, which violates a contract that requires the advertisements to remain until June 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSN0541723720080505 |title = "Grand Theft Auto" publisher sues over pulled ads |accessdate =8 May 2008 |author = Kearney, Christine; Trotta, Daniel; Eastham, Todd |date = 5 May 2008 |publisher = Reuters }}</ref> In response, a representative from the CTA attributed the removal of the advertisements to the controversy surrounding the advertisement campaign for ''[[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]]'' in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://gamespot.com/news/6189790.html |title = GTAIV ads pulled because of San Andreas flap |accessdate =8 May 2008 |author = Sinclair, Brendan |date = 28 April 2008 |publisher = [[GameSpot]] }}</ref>
On 24 August 2013, [[Sky News]] reported that a 90-year-old grandmother was killed when an eight-year-old boy grabbed a handgun and shot her in the head, after playing ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' in [[Slaughter, Louisiana]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/story/1132826/boy-8-kills-gran-after-playing-video-game |title=Boy, 8, Kills Gran After Playing Video Game |accessdate=24 August 2013 |author= Sky News|date=24 August 2013 |publisher=Sky News }}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 15:41, 8 December 2014

Grand Theft Auto IV is an open world, action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. Upon its release on 29 April 2008 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Grand Theft Auto IV generated controversy. The game's depiction of violence received mass commentary from journalists and government officials, occasionally being referred to as a "terrorist simulator". The ability to drive under the influence of alcohol in the game also received criticism, resulting in a request for the ESRB to change the game's rating.

Jack Thompson

In 2007, Jack Thompson, a then Florida lawyer who had previously campaigned against other Grand Theft Auto games, as well as Rockstar's previously released Bully, stated he would take various measures to prevent the sale of the game by Rockstar to minors.[1] On 14 March 2007, Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, filed a lawsuit[2] against Thompson in Florida in an attempt to pre-emptively block him from trying to declare its games a public nuisance. It would be a crime to sell games declared to be a public nuisance, effectively banning such games, which they believe would be a violation of First Amendment rights.[3] Thompson responded by filing a countersuit,[4] accusing Take-Two of violating federal RICO statutes (the charge was later dropped), committing perjury, obstruction of justice, and conspiring against him with third parties to deprive him of his civil rights.[5][6]

Both parties reached a settlement on 20 April 2007,[7] and agreed to drop their respective lawsuits. Under the terms of the settlement Thompson is barred from suing to block the sale or distribution of any future games published by Take-Two or any of its subsidiaries. He will be restricted to communicating through Take-Two's attorneys on any future matters. Thompson will still be able to maintain his outspoken stance against the publisher's titles, as well as still being allowed to act as counsel in lawsuits brought against Take-Two by other parties. For their part, Take-Two agreed to drop its contempt of court lawsuit against Thompson regarding alleged improper conduct during the Bully court hearings in Florida,[8][9] which, if found to be in contempt, could have resulted in Thompson seeing jail time.[7][10][11]

Thompson filed a document with a federal court in Florida on 18 September 2007,[12] that claims that the assassination target of a mission in GTA IV is a lawyer character based upon himself. When the main protagonist enters his office and pulls a gun on him, the lawyer yells "Guns don't kill people! Video games do!" Thompson has threatened that unless the similarities to himself are removed from the game he will "take necessary and proper means to stop release of the game".[13]

On 25 April 2008, it was reported in Metro that Jack Thompson had written a letter to the mother of Strauss Zelnick, Director of Take-Two Interactive. In the letter, which strongly criticised the game, Zelnick, and his mother, Thompson called Grand Theft Auto a "murder simulator". He went on to say that "The pornography and violence that your son trafficks in is the kind of stuff that most mothers would be ashamed to see their son putting into the hands of other mothers' children". Thompson then questions Strauss Zelnick's upbringing and says that his mother should be ashamed of herself, and that she "...spared the rod and spoiled the child. That would explain why he has brought you, by the way he presently acts, to shame." He finishes by saying "Happy Mothers' Day, Mrs Zelnick, which this year is 11 May, two weeks after your son unleashes porn and violence upon other mothers' boys. I'm sure you're very proud." Neither Take-Two Interactive nor Rockstar Games have made any comment regarding the matter.[14] Thompson subsequently claimed he sent the letter to Zelnick's lawyer, not his mother, and that the letter was formulated as a parody intended to induce feelings of "shame" in Zelnick.[15]


New York City officials

Mural ad for the game on a wall in New York City, July 2007.

After the release of the first trailer for the game, New York City officials were appalled with the choice of their city as the inspiration for the setting of Grand Theft Auto IV, and said that a game like GTA does not represent the city's crime levels accurately.[16] A spokesperson for Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, "The mayor does not support any video game where you earn points for injuring or killing police officers." Although no points are awarded throughout the game, the player is required to kill or injure police officers on certain occasions to advance in the game's main story.[17][18] As a response, Jason Della Rocca, executive director of the International Game Developers Association, accused New York City officials of double standards, for criticising video games but not other forms of entertainment, such as books, films and television shows, which use New York City as the setting.[19]

Censored release

Despite confirmation in February 2008 that the Australian version of Grand Theft Auto IV would not be edited,[20] Rockstar later revealed that some features would be censored. The game was assigned an MA15+ rating on 11 December 2007. Rockstar stated that a special version of the game was produced to comply with the Australian classification system.[21]

Features censored in the Australian versions include: the inability to select a "service" when hiring a prostitute, and the restriction of animation and camera angles; the lack of blood pools and bloody footprints; the replacement of bullet wounds and blood patches with "slight discolouration".[22] For the game's PC release, the uncensored version of the game was awarded MA15+ in Australia.[23] Following the release of The Lost and Damned, Rockstar distributed a patch which uncensored the Australian release for consoles.[24]

On 15 April 2008, it was announced that the New Zealand release of the game would be identical to the censored Australian release,[25] with Take-Two Interactive attributing "time scales and logistical reasons".[26] However, the game was resubmitted to the New Zealand OFLC by Stan Calif, a 21-year-old student who was unhappy that New Zealand received an edited version of the game as a result of Australian censorship laws. The unedited version was subsequently given an R18 rating and cleared for sale in New Zealand.[27]

Drunk driving option

The nonprofit organisation Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) criticised the game for an option allowing players to drive under the influence of alcohol. MADD referred to the action as a "choice, a violent crime", and that it is "100 percent preventable".[28] As a result, MADD requested for the Entertainment Software Rating Board to change the rating of the game from Mature (17+) to Adults Only (18+), effectively removing the game from retail stock. They also asked Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar Games to consider halting the game's distribution out of a sense of social responsibility, or out of respect for victims of driving under the influence.[28] Rockstar later issued a statement to the Associated Press:

We have a great deal of respect for MADD's mission, but we believe the mature audience for Grand Theft Auto IV is more than sophisticated enough to understand the game's content.[29]

Depiction of violence

Grand Theft Auto IV has been widely criticised for its depiction of violence and murder. On his program, conservative American talk-radio host Glenn Beck used Grand Theft Auto IV as an example to make wider claims about the use of violent video games by the US military, repeating claims made by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman that the military uses shooting games to desensitise soldiers to killing.[30] Beck also spoke to Jack Thompson, who labelled the game as a "murder simulator". Gavin McKiernan, national grass roots director for the Parents Television Council, added that the game is an "adult product", claiming that research displays the potential effect violent media has on children. Thompson reiterated that the game should be re-rated in the United States, referring to the Australian release as an example.[31]

There have been a number of reported crimes in which the perpetrators cited Grand Theft Auto IV as their primary influence. On 27 June 2008, six teenagers were arrested after participating in a crime spree in New Hyde Park, New York. The teenagers mugged a man, knocking his teeth out, attempted to hijack a car, and smashed a passing van with a bat. According to the Nassau County Police, the teenagers claimed that they were inspired by Grand Theft Auto IV.[32][33]

On 4 August 2008, BBC Newsbeat reported that an 18-year-old student had been arrested in Bangkok, Thailand for the murder of a taxi driver after attempting to hijack the vehicle. Bangkok police captain Veerarit Pipatanasak stated that the student "wanted to find out if it was as easy in real life to rob a taxi as it was in the game".[34] According to local sources, the student wished to rob the taxi driver to obtain money to continue playing the game in an arcade.[34] The Grand Theft Auto IV was subsequently banned in Thailand as a result.[35] On 24 August 2013, Sky News reported that a 90-year-old woman was killed in Slaughter, Louisiana when an eight-year-old boy grabbed a handgun and shot her in the head after playing Grand Theft Auto IV.[36]

Sexual and nudity allegations

On 16 June 2008, British newspaper The Sun reported the presence of an in-game Internet resource titled "Little Lacy Surprise Pageant"–a reference to the fake commercials featured in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (2006). The in-game resource warns that anyone caught viewing the website will be investigated, followed by a statement similar to the quote found at Grokster.com.[37]

Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned, the first episodic expansion to Grand Theft Auto IV, features a cutscene displaying full-frontal nudity.[38] As a result, parents group Common Sense Media condemned the expansion, issuing a public warning against the nudity. The organisation claimed that the inclusion of nudity resulted in the game's status as "more controversial than its predecessors".[39]

Take-Two Interactive filed a lawsuit in response to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) removing advertisements promoting the game from their property, which violates a contract that requires the advertisements to remain until June 2008.[40] In response, a representative from the CTA attributed the removal of the advertisements to the controversy surrounding the advertisement campaign for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas in 2004.[41]

References

  1. ^ "Thompson Rallies Against GTA IV - Edge Magazine". Next-gen.biz. 3 January 2007. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  2. ^ "Case 07-80238". Gamepolitics.com. 13 March 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 August 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2007.
  3. ^ Game Politics Staff (1 April 2007) BREAKING: Take-Two Sues Jack Thompson over Manhunt 2, GTA4, gamepolitics.com
  4. ^ "CASE NO. 07-20693-CIV-ALTONAGA" (PDF). gamepolitics.com. 21 March 2007 (PDF). Retrieved 5 September 2007. {{cite web}}: Check |archiveurl= value (help)
  5. ^ Game Politics Staff (22 March 2007) In Countersuit, Thompson Claims Take-Two at Center of Vast RICO Conspiracy, gamepolitics.com
  6. ^ Sinclair, Brendan (21 March 2007) Thompson Countersues Take-Two, GameSpot.com
  7. ^ a b "GTA Publisher, Jack Thompson Settle Lawsuit". GamePolitics. Retrieved 21 August 2010.
  8. ^ Game Politics Staff (23 October 2006) Could Jack Thompson Be Jailed Over "Bully" Case?, gamepolitics.com
  9. ^ Dodson, Jason (23 October 2006) Report: Jack Thompson May Face Contempt Charge, gamasutra.com
  10. ^ Game Politics Staff (20 April 2007) GTA Publisher, Jack Thompson Settle Lawsuit, gamepolitics.com
  11. ^ Seff, Micah (20 April 2007) Jack Thompson and Take-Two Bury the Hatchet, ign.com
  12. ^ "Case 1:07-cv-21256-AJ Document 12-2". gamepolitics.com. 18 September 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 August 2010. Retrieved 18 September 2007.
  13. ^ "Jack Thompson Says GTA 4 Mission Target is Him; Threatens to Block Release". gamepolitics.com. 18 September 2007. Retrieved 18 September 2007.
  14. ^ "Jack Thompson hounds Rockstar boss'... MOTHER". computerandvideogames.com. 25 April 2008. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
  15. ^ "Jack Thompson's Open Letter to Take-Two CEO's Mother". diehardgamefan.insidepulse.com. 22 April 2008. Retrieved 22 April 2008.
  16. ^ "New York appalled with GTA IV setting". Future Publishing. Retrieved 1 April 2007.
  17. ^ Gendar, Alison; Pereira, Ivan; Saul, Michael (31 March 2007). "Pols rage as vid game takes shot at city". New York: NYDailyNews.com. Retrieved 1 April 2007.
  18. ^ "IGN Guides". Retrieved 24 March 2009.
  19. ^ Millard, Elizabeth (2 April 2007). "New York Balks at Next Grand Theft Auto". newsfactor.com.
  20. ^ Van Leuveren, Luke (4 February 2008). "Aussie version of GTA IV completely uncensored". PALGN. Retrieved 6 April 2008.
  21. ^ Hill, Jacob (4 April 2008). "GTA IV edited for Australia". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 5 April 2008.
  22. ^ Booker, Logan (27 May 2008). "What Was Cut? Australian And Unmodified GTA IV Compared". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  23. ^ Plunkett, Luke (2 December 2008). "For Some Reason, Australia Is Getting An Uncut GTA IV On PC". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
  24. ^ Reynolds, Matthew (21 February 2009). "'GTA IV' updated with uncensored patch". Digital Spy. Hearst Corporation. Retrieved 12 December 2014.
  25. ^ "New Zealand version of GTA IV also cut". GTAGaming.com. Retrieved 16 April 2008.
  26. ^ Take-Two Interactive Support Question #080418-000003
  27. ^ "Uncut version of Grand Theft Auto IV now available in NZ". 3 News. MediaWorks. 22 May 2008. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
  28. ^ a b Sinclair, Brendan (30 April 2008). "Mothers against GTAIV's drunk driving". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  29. ^ Lang, Derrik J. (1 May 2008). "MADD attacks 'Grand Theft Auto IV'". NBC News. National Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  30. ^ CNN Headline News - Grand Theft Morality Pt.1. YouTube. Retrieved 7 May 2008.
  31. ^ CNN Headline News - Grand Theft Morality Pt.2 YouTube. Retrieved 7 May 2008.
  32. ^ "6 teens arrested in NY crime spree". Newsday. 26 June 2008. Archived from the original on 29 June 2008. Retrieved 27 June 2008.
  33. ^ Chayes, Matthew (27 June 2008). "Cops: Grand Theft Auto video game inspired teen crimes". Newsday. Archived from the original on 30 June 2008. Retrieved 27 June 2008.
  34. ^ a b "Thai youth imitates Grand Theft Auto in cab murder | Reuters". Uk.reuters.com. 4 August 2008. Retrieved 21 August 2010.
  35. ^ Reed, Jim (4 August 2008). "Thailand bans Grand Theft Auto IV". BBC Newsbeat. Retrieved 4 August 2008.
  36. ^ Sky News (24 August 2013). "Boy, 8, Kills Gran After Playing Video Game". Sky News. Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  37. ^ Weinberg, Jonathan (16 June 2008). "Video game has spoof perv site". The Sun. News UK. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  38. ^ Rockstar North (29 April 2008). Grand Theft Auto: The Lost and Damned (Xbox 360) (1.0 ed.). Rockstar Games. Level/area: "Politics".
  39. ^ Cavalli, Earnest (21 February 2009). "Parents Group Warns Against Lost And Damned Nudity". Wired. Condé Nast. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  40. ^ Kearney, Christine; Trotta, Daniel; Eastham, Todd (5 May 2008). ""Grand Theft Auto" publisher sues over pulled ads". Reuters. Retrieved 8 May 2008.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  41. ^ Sinclair, Brendan (28 April 2008). "GTAIV ads pulled because of San Andreas flap". GameSpot. Retrieved 8 May 2008.
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