Modified Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas classified R18

19 August 2005

The Office of Film and Literature Classification has classified the modified version of video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas as R18 with the descriptive note ‘contains violence, offensive language and sex scenes’.

On 25 July 2005 Chief Censor Bill Hastings called in the game for re-classification, following reports that it contained hidden sex scenes. The game, with the hidden sex scenes activated, has been examined and classified.

“Although the modified game has also received an R18 classification, it was important that we examined the game in light of the new content” said Mr Hastings. “When we classify a game or any other publication we need to examine all its elements before making a decision. We could only be sure that the classification was appropriate once we had done that” he said. The new classification applies only to copies of the game with the ‘Hot Coffee’ modification activated.

“Because the game was already restricted to adults, the new content has not created the need for a higher classification as it has in some other countries. The sex scenes, while not explicit, have reinforced the adult nature of the game” said Mr Hastings.

The new classification will not affect owners or sellers of the unmodified game.

The modified game is unlikely to be offered for sale since doing so would violate the developer’s copyright and the game’s end user agreement. However, people should bear in the mind that it is an offence to supply or exhibit the any version of the game to people under 18 years of age.

ENDS

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