It seems the sins of Grand Theft Auto and the Hot Coffee debacle will never be repaid. Take-Two Interactive Software has now received notice that it’s under investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
In a media release issued today, Take-Two said the “informal” investigation centers on “certain stock option grants made by the Company from January 1997 to the present.” The company, the release states, was already looking into those options.
Exactly what that means was left unclear. But, it seems there’s no end to the troubles Take-Two and its subsidiary companies are facing.
Take-Two has been the subject of major federal scrutiny ever since the Hot Coffee scandal broke. Take-Two has had to navigate a Federal Trade Commission investigation, which it settled. And, it’s also the subject of a Grand Jury investigation.
Rockstar Games, the Take-Two company that created GTA, has had some major troubles as of late. Employees that haven’t been let go due to position cuts are jumping ship.
Bethesda and Take-Two’s Oblivion has also been under the gun, bringing the Entertainment Software Ratings Board along with it. That title was re-rated following an outcry that it was too violent for a Teen rating. Plus, the third-party nude mod didn’t help, even if Bethesda and Take-Two had nothing to do with it.
Whether this is a case of government persecution or Take-Two has seriously screwed up remains a matter of debate. Only time will tell how this one will shake out, but you can bet this isn’t a good time to be a Take-Two exec.
Related:
Hot Coffee Earns GTA: San Andreas Adult Only Rating
GTA Makers Reach ‘Hot Coffee’ Settlement
Hot Coffee Still Brewing
Oblivion Nude Mod Earns Game New Rating
Oblivion Nude Mod Already Available
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