GTA: SA - Pulled from ShelvesGrand Theft Auto - it’s a video game (f0r those of you who haven’t heard of it, it’s pretty incredible stuff - fun and funny too!) that has been widely received across the globe in it’s multiple variants over the past several years. Released on an increasingly wider platform base, from one console to two to the PC, and it’s been a great ‘ride,’ until now.

You see, there are these “hack codes” that gamers use to unlock certain portions of video games which are there, but excluded from the final shipping product. There are also hacks which allow the creation of completely new content and modules to exand the universe in which you play the game, how you play the game, the game plot and additional storylines and many other “special” additives - like skills, money, items, and the like. Some of the games anticipated for release in the near future will allow the purchase of addtional items (for the game you are playing, not physically) by the click of the button with the network-powered devices with more processing power than all the PCs in my house! Problem is, RockStar said, “No! Those are hacks from a website!” Yep, they sure are - but they only unlocked existing content on the purchased disc. Seems Rockstar decided to scrap it, but it remains for the hacker curious at heart.

Here’s a recap:

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, created by a company called Rockstar Games, is the latest version of a popular series available on game consoles like Xbox and PS2. It’s a vividly rendered scenario where players take the role of amoral urban thugs. This version alone has sold 6 million copies, and is rated M (the equivalent of an R movie rating), with a warning printed on the box about strong sexual content. Recently a Web site not associated with Rockstar released instructions to “unlock” an interactive interlude included on the disc that could not otherwise be viewed. (Rockstar claims that it was left over from an earlier draft of the product.) Though no genitalia are exposed, players use the joystick to control a character having sex with a nude woman.

Based on the way that these interactive scenes are created, including all the elements therein, they can be part of a large compiled libary of objects, and it’s only extra code - so, why strip it out when you have defined a ‘jiggle’ motion within one of them, then only find it missing upon removal from other places people used it, without anyone’s knowledge. It’s all reusable stuff. So, in the end, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) changed the game’s rating from “M” to “AO” or “Adults Only.” This rating change requires most of the large retailers in the country to PULL IT from the shelves due to policy. Kinda hard to offer Adults Only products at Wal-Mart. But maybe it’s a new growth category they could exploit! Condoms, Birth Control, Codeine Cough Syrup, Soft Porn and Video Games. Think of the opportunities. They could have an AO version of that one where the girls play volleyball!. Or, should GTA be sold in those seedy “adult bookstores” down by the airport and railroad tracks?

Considering that RockStar Games has just announced that the all new Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City will be available in September when the PSP launches in the EU, this is bad news they are currently recalling off the shelves. They say it is ONLY to relabel them to an “AO” rating, but well see. As to Liberty City, “

GRAND THEFT AUTO: LIBERTY CITY STORIES ANNOUNCED

Rockstar Games is proud to announce Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. Developed by Rockstar Leeds in conjunction with series creators Rockstar North, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories will be available exclusively on the PSP portable entertainment system in North America and Europe following the European launch of the PSP system on September 1, 2005.Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories is an entirely new game in the Grand Theft Auto series and brings an unprecedented mobile dimension to this epic experience. The original storyline and all new missions take place in Liberty City, featuring the interactive, open environment, superb voice talent and diverse music that have become pioneering trademarks of the series. (according to Rockstar Games website)

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So, now, I wonder if they are scrambling to either re-press the LCS discs, have pulled their promo copies from the ETSB or they are clean. Hmmm. If not, let’s say, it won't be pretty.

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