The Australian ratings board has moved to ban Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas after an investigation into the Hot Coffee sex scenes.
The game had previously carried an over-15's classification, which has now been revoked. Because the game doesn't carry a classification anymore, it is illegal to sell, advertise or distribute it, and retailers have been ordered to clear their shelves of the game immediately:
“Businesses that sell or hire computer games should remove existing stocks of this game from their shelves immediately,” said Director of the OFLC, Mr Des Clark.
“Parents are strongly advised to exercise caution in allowing children continued access to the game, particularly if they might have access to the ‘Hot Coffee’ modification.”
The AO rating is expected to severely impact sales of the game, and another blow might be in the pipeline after the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly for yet another investigation, this time by the Federal Trade Commission.
The FTC investigation could result in a hefty fine or an even wider recall of the game in the U.S.
Australian Govt. Classification Office statement (.pdf)
Take-Two Interactive Statement
Related:
Granny takes on Rockstar
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Announces Federal Trade Commission Inquiry(26 July)
Did Rockstar damage the gaming industry?
Federal Investigation to Reheat Hot Coffee
Clinton Statement Praises ESRB, Smacks Rockstar
Rockstar Admit Percolating Hot Coffee (22 July)
Take-Two press release announcing ratings change
id CEO voices concerns over Hot Coffee
Hot Coffee Earns GTA: San Andreas Adult Only Rating
Rumour: GTA Sex Mod Clever Marketing Ploy?
GTA Hot Coffee Also Confirmed On PS2(16 July)
Interview With Assemblyman At Centre of GTA Sex Mod Row (16 July)
Rockstar Again Denies Stirring Hot Coffee (14 July)
Watchdog Jumps Into GTA Sex Mod Debate (12 July)
Rockstar Deny Sex in GTA: San Andreas (11 July)
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