How Grand Theft Auto 5 earned its M rating (spoilers)

Obviously a game like GTA5 is going to earn an M rating. But what else does it do to push the bureau's buttons? Spoilers follow.

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Obviously a game like Grand Theft Auto 5 is going to earn an M rating from the ESRB. Being a game where you rob banks, kill civilians, and fight against cops makes that rather inevitable. However, what else does Rockstar's game do to earn that 17+ rating?

Spoilers follow.

The ESRB details some noteworthy moments, which will undoubtedly cause news programs to air more exposés on how video games are ruining our children.

For instance, the game contains "rare" depictions of dismemberment. In addition, there's an interactive torture sequence--one that the ESRB describes as "intense and prolonged." There's also nudity of both the female and male kind.

There's also a "brief instance of necrophilia," and depictions of drug use. As Kotaku discovered, you'll be able to smoke from a bong, light a marijuana joint, and even see cocaine get used. Welcome to faux California!

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    August 21, 2013 8:30 AM

    Andrew Yoon posted a new article, How Grand Theft Auto 5 earned its M rating (spoilers).

    Obviously a game like GTA5 is going to earn an M rating. But what else does it do to push the bureau's buttons? Spoilers follow.

    • reply
      August 21, 2013 8:40 AM

      So for the console gamers, it will be just like when their xbox RROD and they had to go outside for a few weeks. necrophilia, smoke from a bong, light a marijuana joint...

    • reply
      August 22, 2013 4:29 AM

      It's R18+ for Australia, with a consumer advice warning of high impact drug use...

    • reply
      August 22, 2013 8:20 AM

      "... even see cocaine get used"

      I love that THIS gets the "even". Not the torture, not the dismemberment, not the necrophilia... but this. And it's not even USING cocaine, it's just SEEING it being used.

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