Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., the firm behind Rockstar Games and the Grand Theft Auto series, announced on Friday that the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has changed the rating of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on all platforms from "Mature 17+" (M) to "Adults Only 18+" (AO).
This is due to a "hot coffee mod", an unauthorized third party modification that alters the retail version of the game. With the "hot coffee mod" (downloaded free over the Internet), players can access uncensored interactive sex-games with the characters in San Andreas.
Rockstar Games has ceased manufacturing of the current version of the title and will begin working on a version of the game with enhanced security to prevent the "hot coffee" modifications. This version will retain the original ESRB M-rating and is expected to be available later this year. Rockstar Games will be providing AO labels for retailers who wish to continue to sell the current version of the title.
Paul Eibeler, Take-Two's President and CEO said,
"Take-Two and Rockstar Games have always worked to keep mature-themed video game content out of the hands of children and we will continue to work closely with the ESRB and community leaders to improve and better promote a reliable rating system to help consumers make informed choices about which video games are appropriate for each individual. The ESRB's decision to re-rate a game based on an unauthorized third party modification presents a new challenge for parents, the interactive entertainment industry and anyone who distributes or consumes digital content. Rockstar Games is pleased that the investigation is now settled and they look forward to returning their focus to making innovative and groundbreaking video games for a mature audience."
As a result of the re-rating of the game, Take-Two Interactive is lowering guidance for the third fiscal quarter ending July 31, 2005 to $160 million (down from $170 million) in net sales, and a net loss per share of $0.05, (down to $0.40 from $0.45).