Statement from the BBFC after awarding GTA IV an 18 rating

The Freeman

Statement from the BBFC after awarding GTA IV an 18 rating, since removed.

BBFC removes GTA IV info from site
News by Ellie Gibson

Yesterday

It appears the BBFC has deleted text from its website which gave details of the adult content in Grand Theft Auto IV, as reported earlier.

For those who missed it, here's what the text originally said (spoiler alert):

"GRAND THEFT AUTO IV is an open world action adventure game in which the player character is an Eastern European immigrant working for organised crime gangs in a fictitious city in the USA. The game has been rated '18' for strong violence, very strong language, very strong sex references and drugs use.

"Violence is a central theme of the game, with the character able to engage on missions which invariably involving killing in return for money and other in-game rewards. The character can gain use of a variety of weapons including machine guns, Molotov cocktails, a serrated knife and a rocket propelled grenade launcher.

"Injuries and death are shown with blood including blood projected onto nearby walls, windscreens and the camera lens. The character is able to attack and kill any other character in the game, including 'innocent' non player characters, although this carries a strong risk of being pursued by the police providing a negative consequence for such action.

"The game includes several uses of very strong language and frequent use of strong language. The very strong language occurs within 'cut scenes' in which the story and character development take place, in spoof television episodes and during a stand up comedy routine.

"Sex references also occur during cut scenes, including references to strong sexual behaviour. During gameplay the character can pick up prostitutes and pay for three different levels of service. What follows is an un-detailed portrayal of masturbation, fellatio and intercourse. The character can also visit lap dancing clubs and request a private dance. While the game contains sexualised dancing and the portrayal of sex, there is no sexualised nudity.

"Reference is made to drugs trafficking and several cut scenes portray cocaine snorting. There is also a satirical reference to the domestic production of a hard drug, but it does not contain the detail necessary to reproduce this in the real world.

"GRAND THEFT AUTO IV has been classified at '18' and is appropriate for adults aged 18 and above only."



I WOULD GIVE MY LEFT NUT TO OWN THIS GAME RIGHT NOW!!

Markvtos

Excellent stuff freeman. Most of the stuff the bbfc said in that quote has already been revealed in various magazines or at least speculated about, but my favourite part is where it deals with the sex references in the game.

The Freeman wrote: »

"During gameplay the character can pick up prostitutes and pay for three different levels of service. What follows is an un-detailed portrayal of masturbation, fellatio and intercourse.

Picking up a hooker sounds like it's going to be lots of fun!

DarkJager

Markvtos wrote: »

Excellent stuff freeman. Most of the stuff the bbfc said in that quote has already been revealed in various magazines or at least speculated about, but my favourite part is where it deals with the sex references in the game.



Picking up a hooker sounds like it's going to be lots of fun!

Yeah especially when you beat them to death in an alley afterwards!!

Benzino

The Freeman wrote: »

The very strong language occurs within 'cut scenes' in which the story and character development take place, in spoof television episodes and during a stand up comedy routine.

Spoof television episodes!! Awesome

yoyo

This game is sounding more and more interesting

Nick

TestTransmission

Markvtos wrote: »

Picking up a hooker sounds like it's going to be lots of fun!

+1

Zonda999

"this carries a strong risk of being pursued by the police providing a negative consequence for such action"

I love how they phrase that.That whole extract didnt hint at anything totally out of the blue, though.Lets hope there are more shocks to come.Pity rockstar are being so tight lipped about it though.Btw iwas playin GTA when i was 12:D:D

armour87

DarkJager wrote: »

Yeah especially when you beat them to death in an alley afterwards!!

Teeheehee, now I'm giddy with excitement