[FiShMaStEr]

actually the reason it got re rated was because of the mod called "Hot Coffee" which is just unlocking a few graphics and gameplay elements in the game which were locked away by a simple check.

this then got thrown out of hand and then became the element of censorship and wrong doing. the thing is these elements which were meant to make the game so bad were originally in the game, and unlocked at certain sections for cut scenes, eg in one mission you bust into a house with ryder in a room in the back you can see a guy getting a blowjob.

what i love though is that this is not allowed because its adult game made by rockstar and wears the GTA logo, then ontop of this we have playboy mansion, which contains alot of nudity, and full sex, yet only got M, and the same goes for Sims2 which with the use of a mod can remove the blurry boxes on the sims when naked. GO ESRB!

anyway back on topic, nice game, would be great to see your models put to use in it.

[LancelotKane]

The 3rd party mod, as I mentioned before, is definitely the factor in this case.  

While the GTA franchise has always been controversial, this is the first title to be pulled from shelves, even though it's the 3rd in the series, because of a mod that the designing company had nothing to do with.
 
Or so they claim.

[mofoapoo]

the ESRB changed the rating from M to AO because of pressure from retarded politicians who have no idea about how video games influence people, since they are politicians, not psychologists.

isnt the ESRB part of the video game industry and not government regulated anyway?  they rate games M instead of AO since M seems nicer, even tho its only a year difference.

[LancelotKane]

That's why I'm hoping(I'm being very optimistic)that this Congressional inquiry will result in some of these politicos understanding the game industry better.  

Such as. . .the difference between a 3rd party modification and OPM programming, perhaps?

I can only hope. . .

The ESRB is the ratings board that functions like the MPAA in the film industry.  

[mofoapoo]

i heard that take two actually admidted to making the mod.

anyone know if this is true?

[LancelotKane]

Quote:
i heard that take two actually admidted to making the mod.

anyone know if this is true?

Well, not according to Take Two.

The controversy, no doubt, has generated massive sales for the game.  However, even if it was an intentional "leak" by Take Two(I don't think it was), they would be cut by the double edged sword, so to speak.

The back door was there, as Rockstar admits.  They just didn't hide the key well enough.