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71 Comments
- dinghy53, on 07/17/2008, -0/+27These games are for big boys! If your children play them, tell them the difference between fantasy and reality please!! Sometimes I wish i could bust out an RPG and start going to town, but this is the REAL world. This Jack Thompson guy needs to find other work.
- nathan42100, on 07/17/2008, -0/+27Why would rating a video game M (17+ only) for violence and sexuality be any different than rating a movie R (17+ also) for the same thing? They both provide the same restrictions and it is the fault of the retailer for letting them into the movie or letting them buy it. In my mind, an AO rating is synonymous with an X-Rated movie, none of which come out anymore AFAIK
- Fhwqhgads, on 07/18/2008, -1/+18you're asking parents to do their job. that's unacceptable.
- candre23, on 07/18/2008, -0/+14Before that it was comic books. Before comics it was pulp novels. Swing, jazz, rock and roll, and heavy metal have all been accused of "corrupting young minds" at some point. There is a certain kind of person that just can't stand to see young people have fun, so they protest against whatever is popular at the time. Every time they say the latest fads will turn kids into raving psychotic murders, and every time they're wrong. It's been going on for over a hundred years and it's not going to stop any time soon.
- inactive, on 07/18/2008, -1/+12Hey, Noticed the page was loading slowly. You really have to check out the page for the full experience (links to docs and such), but if that's a no-go, here's the text:
A History Of Grand Theft Auto’s Legal Troubles (And Why It’s All BS)
Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is a video game series unlike any other - it has sold over 70 million copies worldwide to date, the most recent installment (GTA IV) grossed $500 million in its opening week alone, and apart from financial success, the series has set a new standard of artistic merit and interactivity for the video gaming industry. Not too shabby, right? However, the story of GTA cannot be separated from its legal troubles. Time and again, GTA’s developer Rockstar Games, and parent company Take Two Interactive, have tangoed with the law in both First Amendment and murder cases. Below is a run-down of highlights in GTA’s dramatic, and sometimes ridiculous, relationship with the law (accompanied by links to relevant docs).
October 20, 2003 (GTA III): The families of two victims shot by William and Josh Buckner, aged 16 and 14 years old, file a $246 million lawsuit against publishers Rockstar Games and Take Two Interactive, retailer Wal-Mart, and PlayStation 2 manufacturer Sony Computer Entertainment America. The boys had fired at vehicles on the highway with a .22 rifle, supposedly acting out a scene from their favorite video game, GTA III. Rockstar and Take Two file for a dismissal of the lawsuit nine days later, claiming First Amendment protection, and within two days, the plaintiffs’ attorney, Jack Thompson, takes the suit off the table. Seems like the plaintiffs were just looking for easy money.
November 2003 (GTA: Vice City): Haitian and Cuban anti-defamation groups protest the game’s racial stereotypes in front of New York’s City Hall and Rockstar’s Manhattan offices. The Haitian American Grassroots Coalition takes particular offense to the line “Kill the Haitian d*ckheads,” which pops up during an altercation between the game’s first person player and a Haitian gang. After threatening legal action, Rockstar removes the word “Haitian” from this line in the subtitles.
February 15, 2005 (GTA III; GTA: Vice City): A lawsuit claims that GTA caused teenager Devin Moore to fatally shoot two police officers and a dispatcher after he was apprehended on suspicion of stealing an automobile. Upon capture, Moore famously commented “”Life is a video game. You’ve got to die sometime.” His attorney, Jack Thompson (from the 2003 GTA III suit), had lost Moore’s criminal trial (he was convicted of 1st degree murder), and the civil suit is still awaiting trial. Rockstar, Take Two, Sony Computer Entertainment, and both Wal-Mart and Gamestop (where Moore purchased his GTA games) are also named in the suit. Lots of money, once again, is sitting on the table.
July 27, 2005 (GTA: San Andreas): An 85 year old grandmother sues GTA’s Take Two after learning about the sex mini-games, or “hot coffee” content, hidden in the M (Mature) rated title’s code. The grandmother, Florence Cohen, had purchased the game for her 14 year old grandson. A class action lawsuit soon develops, supported by a formal complaint from the FTC, which isn’t finally settled until November of 2007. The settlement essentially gives away up to $35.00 to anyone who was officially “offended and upset” by the ability to unlock the game’s hidden, sexual content. To claim compensation, gamers can visit this somewhat amusing site, put up by Rockstar under court mandate. Let’s hope all the emotionally-scarred saved their receipts.
September 25, 2006 (GTA: Vice City): Jack Thompson files another suit against Take Two, Rockstar, and Sony Corp, this time alleging that 14 year old Cody Posey killed his father, stepmother, and stepsister due to his obsession with GTA: Vice City. Posey was already found guilty of murder in his criminal trial, in which his attorneys laid blame on depression and his father’s physical abuse. Thompson’s $600 million suit is first dismissed in December 2007 on the grounds that a) the state (New Mexico) has no jurisdiction since neither Take Two nor Sony hold offices there and b) the wrongful death claim holds no basis in state laws. It is later dismissed in May 2008 at a New Mexico appeals court because Thompson had exceeded the 30 day appeal deadline.
August 2007 (GTA: Bully): Pre-empting the release of Bully, attorney Jack Thompson sends Rockstar letters that demand a pre-release copy of the game for his own review - in order to “determine whether it still poses a threat of copycat violence in our schools.” Upon receiving no response, Thompson files a complaint with the Miami-Dade Circuit Court that uses Florida’s nuisance law (Florida Statute 823.01) as his basis. A Miami Judge rules against Thompson’s desire to block sales of Bully, and after a spree of angry comments that flirt with contempt of court, Thompson agrees with Take Two (Rockstar’s parent) to drop his case. He also agrees to make all future contract with Take Two through their attorneys. Um, yeah, by this point, he’s probably not their favorite customer.
As these highlights suggest, GTA’s relationship with the law is well, a bit ridiculous at times - fueled more by political and financial motivations than substantiated, legal claims. America is indeed a litigious and relatively politically-correct society. And so, it’s not surprising that a revolutionary video game, one that pushes envelopes of violence, race, and urban realism, is continually met with legal resistance.
Money is also a critical factor - as attorney Jack Thompson made a name for himself as an anti-violence activist, it’s noteworthy that he never attacked those gun manufacturers which put weapons in the underage assailants’ hands. Not only is the gun lobby somewhat sacred in our society, but their pockets are nowhere as deep as those belonging to the video gaming and entertainment industries. Thompson, in short, is not as righteous as he’d like the public to believe. Here’s an amusing quote directly from his website: “Jack is one of the foremost proponents of the ‘Video Games Made Me Do It’ defense, which has so far failed to convince any judges.”
Of course, despite all the legal headaches along the way, GTA has reaped tremendous success, both critical and financial. And what’s more - their legal controversies have played nicely into their hardcore brand image, which undoubtedly bolsters sales.
At this point, my time is consumed by playing GTA IV, and I’m tremendously excited for any future GTA installments. But I’m equally curious about their inevitable, upcoming legal hurdles… Should be interesting. - smurfz, on 07/17/2008, -1/+12Why do they always have to blame video games but never the movies?
- sandersdamnit, on 07/17/2008, -0/+11he'll probably have to work at Burger King now that he is being disbarred
- slayersotaku, on 07/17/2008, -0/+11I can only imagine the look on the clerks face when an 85 yr old woman bought GTA: SA. She probably needs new glasses if she can't see the box with an M on the cover.
- notoneofus, on 07/18/2008, -0/+8Movies went through this same witch hunt, just earlier than video games.
- CarzorStelatis, on 07/18/2008, -0/+8Nope, he'll become a "video game expert" on Fox.
- hivesster, on 07/18/2008, -0/+7I blame it on Mortal Kombat.
- fr3ddie, on 07/18/2008, -0/+5***** Jack Thompson!!!
- lucidguru, on 07/18/2008, -0/+5I surprised they didn't really push the envelope again with GTA IV... I would have really liked to see explicit videogame pron... While the hookers may be a bit more graphic then the previous GTAs it's still a long way from 2girls1cup and goatse... *SIGH* The internet has really desensitized most of us.
- Zarokima, on 07/18/2008, -0/+5text-only mirror (non-text-only was hella slow):
http://209.85.215.104/search?q=cache:PJziSh3TXHYJ: ... - tendonut, on 07/18/2008, -0/+5Linky?
I'd LOVE to see a news story about that - baldbean, on 07/18/2008, -0/+5Its just a friggin' video game! It is not real life. Like many others who commented above, it is rated M so what are kids even doing playing it? If the kid does not know wrong from right, then thats the parents fault. They should be sued. I don't know how many times I saw Daffy Duck get his bill shot the ***** off at point blank range. Scapegoating video games needs to stop.
- Davers, on 07/18/2008, -0/+5GTA: Bully?
- bixby1, on 07/18/2008, -0/+4really comprehensive and detailed. very well done.
- YancyFryJr, on 07/18/2008, -0/+4Really detailed, but the simple fact remains that GTA is rated M and Bully is rated T. Even if they did get into the hands of minors (not like that ever happens, amirite?), something like a violent video game likely wouldn't cause trouble for someone taht didn't already have a problem.
In closing: Listen to the ESRB. Oh, and hug your kids. - phoenixshard, on 07/18/2008, -0/+4I hope he joings the WWE and the Undertaker buries him.
- Stavrosian, on 07/18/2008, -1/+5http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/violence_an ...
Enough said, really. Violent games likely do not lead to violent people. - uselessexpert, on 07/18/2008, -1/+5I have a 10 year old, and he's been playing GTA IV with me, and we've had a blast!
To say that a child will be lead to shoot someone because of a video game is total *****!
As long as you are a RESPONSIBLE parent that teaches their kid(s) right from wrong, and make them understand that it is just a game with some extreme and unbelievable circumstances and scenes, you should never have a problem with your kid.
So ***** Jack Thompson and all the other wackos blaming society's problems on video games.
Now, my son Kyle and I will go cruise the streets of Liberty City along with Nicko and pop a couple of caps on some fools ass! ;-) - notoneofus, on 07/18/2008, -0/+4@candre23 You could take that back to theatre, philosophy, and most forms of scientific or artistic expression.
- tendonut, on 07/18/2008, -0/+4And that is no one's fault but their own. The rating for a game takes up more cover space then a movie. Seriously, go look at a DVD and try to find the rating on it. It's in the bottom left or bottom right of DVD in small print on the BACK of the case.
Now look at a game. It's on the front in the bottom right in a very noticeable font size. Now turn it over. It's there once again, but with a breakdown of why the game is given said rating. Now if that isn't warning enough, then we have a serious issue in our country. The ESRB goes FAR above and beyond the MPAA in terms of ratings. - IKORKYI, on 07/18/2008, -0/+4Jack Thompson is not in law, he's in entertainment and I hope he's here to stay
- anrahman, on 07/18/2008, -0/+3Alright, while you guys debate whether or not this game was underrated or not, I'm going to go menace the streets in a stolen car and feel good about the power of video games
- CarzorStelatis, on 07/18/2008, -0/+3The funniest thing is that you can get $5.00 from the class-action settlement even if you don't send a San Andreas disc or purchase details! Anyone in the US want a free $5?
- akula89, on 07/18/2008, -0/+3it's called "GRAND THEFT AUTO" , you would think she might clue to as to the content
- noerrorsfound, on 07/18/2008, -0/+3His real title is School Shooting Expert.
- noerrorsfound, on 07/18/2008, -1/+4He is obviously a terrorist.
- dgaspard, on 07/18/2008, -0/+3bad timing dude.
- inactive, on 07/18/2008, -0/+3What a truly uninformed ignoramus.
- chaosmantis, on 07/18/2008, -0/+3I never did drugs until I saw Rosenberg on Vice City doing them... do you think I can sue them for $35 dollars? it would come in handy!
- sup34dog, on 07/18/2008, -0/+2Jackie boy, you son of a bitch.
- caulkrocket, on 07/18/2008, -0/+2I swerved into a group of pedestrians as I read this article. :-/
- dleesgeetar, on 07/18/2008, -0/+2its got its up and down sides
- FromFirstToLast, on 07/18/2008, -0/+2The ending was my favorite where they pointed out that Jack Thompson hasn't gone after gun manufacturers and that he of course isn't as righteous as he thinks he is.
- somedirtbag, on 07/18/2008, -0/+2Hmmm... Reoccurring theme in every case? Jack Thompson. He's made a career out of Rockstar and making himself look like a total easy-money-seeking douchebag.
- inactive, on 07/18/2008, -0/+2If it's rated mature, why use the argument that kids play it? That would be the parents fault then. I played GTA III when I was a little kid - never did I even entertain the thought f wanting to do harm to somebody 9from the game, at least)
;-)
***** Jack Thompson, ***** 'em all. By the way, GTA IV isn't overrated - NJank, on 07/18/2008, -0/+2nice.
Option 5 – Game Discarded with No Proof of Purchase:
- I have discarded the game disc and do not have proof of purchase of the game, and would like to be eligible receive the $5.00 benefit.
Store of Purchase: ________________________________
Approximate Date of Purchase: ___/___/____
I have a feeling there are going to be A LOT of people who were so upset by the Hot Coffee content that they threw away the game. - gossipninja, on 07/18/2008, -0/+2i do think its lame the article blames the gun lobby. Not to start a flame war, but the gun lobby wasn't handing out guns and lollipops to kids. The gun owners (most likely the parents) and the kids got to take the blame, not the gun (an inanimate object) and not video games.
Saying the gun did it is just as absurd as saying the game made me do it, even if the gun was the tool and the game the inspiration because ultimately it was the individual who made the choice. - borez, on 07/18/2008, -0/+2Where there's a hit...there's a writ
- str3ama, on 07/18/2008, -0/+2nice thumb for the story lol, so relevant.
- hauntedchippy, on 07/18/2008, -1/+3Oh thats the difference. Why aren't choose-your-own-adventure books being torn a new one then?
- M724, on 07/19/2008, -0/+1I don't know whether to laugh or get p!ssed.
Jack Thompson: A nobody. I'm surprised he didn't make it to the Stella Awards (for those who don't know: the Stella awards are for the dumbest court cases.) Oh, right. You have to WIN a case to enter that list. My bad. Continue trying to remove GTA from the hands of children, Jackie, instead of communicating to parents about something called Parental Responsibility. - tomhancocks, on 07/18/2008, -0/+1No thanks.
- inactive, on 07/18/2008, -0/+1I dugg you up because I would love to live in a RPG world too.
- goldeneye517, on 07/21/2008, -0/+1there is a reason they call it a ***** GAME! when people say that rockstar should clean up there act it makes me what to strangle them ! People want every game out 2 be able to be played by eveyone and guess what ..... lillte kids can NOT play GTA: and if they some how Do find a way arould the system , by no means is rockstar to blame !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- VyRuZ, on 07/18/2008, -0/+1August 2007 (GTA: Bully)
Haven't played that one. Must be before the first... - ShitStainedBall, on 07/18/2008, -0/+1People who blame video games, music, and movies for their or their kids mistakes need to shut the ***** up and take responsibility. These douchebags are so quick to blame everybody else for their own shortcomings. "It wasn't my sons fault. He watched Basketball Diaries and then shot up a school." "Its not my fault your Honor. Marilyn Manson made me think that the drugs like me." Just because your kids are obviously retarded and can't seperate fantasy from reality because of you were to busy ***** the mailman rather than teaching your kids doesn't mean you get to relinquish blame or get a payday. People like Jack Thompson and people that agree with him need to stop breeding.
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