Hidden Sex in Video Games

[elsid13]

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

By Brooks Boliek

Two high-profile U.S. senators, Joseph Lieberman and Hillary Rodham Clinton, are incensed over pornographic content "hidden" in the popular video game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," and are demanding action from either the government or the game's maker.

The content can be unlocked by using the "Hot Coffee" code modification widely available on the Internet. By installing the modification, gamers can have their drivers find different girlfriends in the game who will have a "cup of hot coffee" -- a euphemism for sex -- with them.

A spokesman for the game's maker, Rockstar Games Inc., said the "Hot Coffee" modification was the unauthorized work of people in the "modder community" -- the group of intense gamers who often add content to games.

Lieberman (D-Conn.) asked Rockstar president Sam Houser to submit the game to independent analysts to determine how the content was put in.

"I am asking you to bring this matter to light and resolve this serious controversy by voluntarily submitting your game to independent concerned and responsible parties for such technical analysis," Lieberman wrote in a letter to Houser.

Rockstar spokesman Rodney Walker said the company was confident that it had done nothing wrong and would be exonerated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, which is investigating the incident.

Clinton (D-N.Y.), meanwhile, said she will introduce legislation to help keep inappropriate video games out of the hands of children, and has asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the "Grand Theft Auto" game.

Her legislative proposal would institute a financial penalty for retailers who fail to enforce the video manufacturers voluntary ratings system rules. It would prohibit the sale of violent and sexually explicit video games to minors and put in place a $5,000 penalty for those who violate the law.

"The disturbing material in 'Grand Theft Auto' and other games like it is stealing the innocence of our children, and it's making the difficult job of being a parent even harder," Clinton said.

In calling for the FTC to launch an investigation, Clinton urged the commission to determine whether an AO rating (adults only) is more appropriate than the current M rating (mature) for the video game given this new sexually explicit content. She also requested that the FTC examine the adequacy of retailers' rating-enforcement policies.

Bo Andersen, president of the Video Software Dealers Assn., said Clinton's action went way too far.

"Sen. Clinton is a fine lawyer and undoubtedly knows that her proposal is unconstitutional," he said in a statement. "The senator's proposal is politically savvy but will do nothing to help parents make informed choices about the video games their children play. In fact, by turning the voluntary video game ratings system into a cudgel of government censorship, Sen. Clinton's proposal ironically would likely lead to the abandonment of the ratings system."

[elsid13]

This is the kind crap that I can not stand, the answer is not the Federal Government job to to look after us on this. IT is parents responbility to know what there kids are doing. Do real work you jackass, ie the Federal Defict, SS reform, Medicare Reform, Free Trade Agreement, removal of Tax Loopholes for companies that flee to other countries for tax purpose, improve enviromental laws, reform mineral rights access laws. Do I need to go on.....

[ak1971]

Its Bush's fault.

[clarker]

It reminds me when of when Tipper Gore wanted to take away my Motley Crue records when I a kid with the PMRC. It is the parents responsiblity to know what their kids are playing or listening to or watching on TV or in Movies.

They have warning lables already, so leave it at that.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Its Bush's fault.

Id rep you again if I could!

[epicSocialism4tw]

The problem with the warning label system is that it is too easily thwarted. I bought countless early gangsta' rap records on the sly in the early 90's that my parents would have put in the trash if they knew where I hid them and that I was listening to them. It is very easy for a teenager to get around these weak laws.

If you think that these software companies are creating these games for 'mature' audiences only, you are in some way ignoring the fact that games are marketed to teenagers with loads of discretionary income. Where do you see the ads? In sports mags and during sporting events, movies, etc. They are trying to reach teenagers. What would inspire a curious 14 year old boy to buy or rent the game more than a hidden mode where everyone is naked and you can see video game characters getting it on?

I dont think that a 22-25 year old would be too interested in that. If they wanted to see porn, there are much more readily available means to acquire it for free.

[Crushaholic]

It reminds me when of when Tipper Gore wanted to take away my Motley Crue records when I a kid with the PMRC. It is the parents responsiblity to know what their kids are playing or listening to or watching on TV or in Movies.

They have warning labels already, so leave it at that.

I find it strangely ironic that we're talking about restricting freedoms and the politicians in question are Democrats. I guess it's not just a Republican issue, after all. It's a pet issue of self-serving politicians that appear to know what's best for you in a free country and will pander to a voting base.

[epicSocialism4tw]

I find it strangely ironic that we're talking about restricting freedoms and the politicians in question are Democrats. I guess it's not just a Republican issue, after all. It's a pet issue of self-serving politicians that appear to know what's best for you in a free country and will pander to a voting base.

It's easy to reduce this issue into "these people just want to take our ability to do what we want away from us", but there are larger issues at stake and it is alot more complicated than that.

If a family wants to raise their children as a part of society (being able to go to the mall with friends, go to movies, hang out with their buddies in public settings), they have to have security in knowing that they can do that without causing irreperable harm to the child. When you allow people who have no accountability to you at all to sell products to children who do not know any better but to buy them because it's cool or because they have an unexplored interest in the product, you open up the door to all kinds of potential problems. With things like this game, they are potential psychological problems.

If you are an educated, committed, and concerned parent, you will do whatever it takes to prevent your child from causing damage to themselves.

A friend once told me some wisdom that applies to the potential creation and propagation of psychological problems in children which is at the core of this issue: "you have two dogs...a black one and a white one...you have only so much food and can sustain one or the other...which one do you feed?"

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

It reminds me when of when Tipper Gore wanted to take away my Motley Crue records when I a kid with the PMRC. It is the parents responsiblity to know what their kids are playing or listening to or watching on TV or in Movies.

We had it out over this issue not too long ago.

Putting a warning label on a CD isn't the same thing as "trying to take that CD away" - it's just a way to help parents do what you identified as their job, i.e., to "know what their kids are playing or listening to." (Just like the rating system used by the the motion picture industry.) How many parents have the time to listen to every single rap CD on the market and to screen it for for content?

[L.A. BRONCOS FAN]

It's easy to reduce this issue into "these people just want to take our ability to do what we want away from us", but there are larger issues at stake and it is alot more complicated than that.

If a family wants to raise their children as a part of society (being able to go to the mall with friends, go to movies, hang out with their buddies in public settings), they have to have security in knowing that they can do that without causing irreperable harm to the child. When you allow people who have no accountability to you at all to sell products to children who do not know any better but to buy them because it's cool or because they have an unexplored interest in the product, you open up the door to all kinds of potential problems. With things like this game, they are potential psychological problems.

Jesus, I can't believe I'm actually agreeing with you about something.

If you are an educated, committed, and concerned parent, you will do whatever it takes to prevent your child from causing damage to themselves.

Unfortunately, educated, committed, and concerned parents seem to be in short supply these days.

What we have instead is a lot of overgrown children having children - and society ultimately pays the price.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Jesus, I can't believe I'm actually agreeing with you about something.



Unfortunately, educated, committed, and concerned parents seem to be in short supply these days.

What we have instead is a lot of overgrown children having children - and society ultimately pays the price.


There are too many adults in America who would rather be their childrens' friend than steer them in the right direction which sometimes requires you to 'be the bad guy.' Being an effective parent requires a conscious and committed effort. You have to put the beer down when you dont want to. You have to give up the football game so that you can spend time doing things that effect your family in a positive manner. Too many parents would rather not give up their own pursuits to ensure the protection and growth of their children.

For some reason it has become accepted to be your kids' friend rather than their parent. Believe me (who had irresponsible parents who were my 'friend'), that kid would rather you make them feel secure by showing them how to get through life than to be their buddy. Being a father is much more important to them.

[elsid13]

The two issue here, first parent not doing what they should- be involved in thier kids life and second Congress grandstanding on subject they shouldn't be because they can get press.

[epicSocialism4tw]

The two issue here, first parent not doing what they should- be involved in thier kids life and second Congress grandstanding on subject they shouldn't be because they can get press.

There may be political maneuvering here, but that does not make it an illegitimate issue. It seems like this has been out of the public consciousness for awhile now. I am not a fan of Billary, but Im glad that she is attempting to make an issue of it. Maybe she can earn a little of my vote!

[Spider]

BAck from long hike in the mountians . Pictures later ;D ......
As for this issue , this heepened to me maybe some other perents have expierenced this ....
I was @ a local game store finding a game for my 10 year old son , And the guy behind the counter handed me a Game called Grand theft auto , I said I dont like the title , he said , there is nothing in it thats real bad it is just a game , so i bought it .... I thanked him and left with the Game .. got home watched about 1 minute of the game , told my son he will not play that game again ..... Yes it had warning labels , and I was warned by the package , But @ my age , I am not hip to whats cool what isnt , needless to say I went back to the game store and offered to shove the game up that bastards ass ..........
We as parents are under assualt in the name of $$$ , they will sell anything to kids ...
With that said , I am not wild about Labels ...... It is a hard job , but we stay on our toes , we can get our kids through this without the Goverments help ........

[Rascal]

this thread is worthless without pics.

[elsid13]

this thread is worthless without pics.

Fourth down on the right an exampe for you: (Not that bad, but I'm an adult, would not share with early teens or childern)

http://www.gtasanandreas.net/screenshots/

[kappys]

I dont think that a 22-25 year old would be too interested in that. If they wanted to see porn, there are much more readily available means to acquire it for free.

You must mean the internet. Good thing 14 year olds don't have access to that.

[clarker]

You must mean the internet. Good thing 14 year olds don't have access to that.Children only have access if their parents allow them too. There are ways built in to provide parents a way to limit what their children can see on the internet at home. School have the same tools.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Children only have access if their parents allow them too. There are ways built in to provide parents a way to limit what their children can see on the internet at home. School have the same tools.


it's very easy for children to bypass those tools. Word of mouth travels fast amongst curious teenagers.

[Haroldthebarrel]

hmmm I just bought the game and played it for a little while.
It contains going postal against other gangs, gunning them down. Lotsa violence. All the GTA typical stuff.
If my teenager bought this game and found the word game for sex amusing I wouldn't worry too much.
I would however worry if he started talking about gunning random bypassers on the street.
damn, if teenagers weren't inquisitive of sex, that would be more unnatural really.

[elsid13]

hmmm I just bought the game and played it for a little while.
It contains going postal against other gangs, gunning them down. Lotsa violence. All the GTA typical stuff.
If my teenager bought this game and found the word game for sex amusing I wouldn't worry too much.
I would however worry if he started talking about gunning random bypassers on the street.
damn, if teenagers weren't inquisitive of sex, that would be more unnatural really.


You live in Europe, sex is worse then violence in the United States. We have no problem showing folks be killed, blown up on prime time tv, but show a naked breast on TV and holy hell breaks loose.

[El Guapo]

they're grinding! I was hoping for full on TOON NUDITY!! WOOohoo! j/k haha

I was playing the game last night, and I found myself raiding a police station. Man, the police refused to give up -- I was thinking that whatever I had to get must've been good... I go into a jail cell and theres a giant double sided PURPLE d i l d o. You can slap people around with it :D :D

[Haroldthebarrel]

You live in Europe, sex is worse then violence in the United States. We have no problem showing folks be killed, blown up on prime time tv, but show a naked breast on TV and holy hell breaks loose.

I know that. Lived there a bit myself.
That doesn't make it any less corny tho, IMHO.

[elsid13]

I know that. Lived there a bit myself.
That doesn't make it any less corny tho, IMHO.


Don't disagree with you on that....

[elsid13]

they're grinding! I was hoping for full on TOON NUDITY!! WOOohoo! j/k haha

I was playing the game last night, and I found myself raiding a police station. Man, the police refused to give up -- I was thinking that whatever I had to get must've been good... I go into a jail cell and theres a giant double sided PURPLE d i l d o. You can slap people around with it :D :D


Did you download a mode to the game or is that straight out of the box.