Grand Theft Auto IV is an action game developed for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3. It has been rated "Mature" by the ESRB, indicated that it is intended for an audience over 17 years of age. The "Mature" rating was designated for its content; Intense Violence, Blood, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Partial Nudity, Use of Drugs and Alcohol.
According to the UK's BBFC, "the character can pick up prostitutes and pay for three 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 sexualized dancing and the portrayal of sex, there is no sexualized nudity." Niko, the main character, also has the ability to "get drunk" in the bars of Liberty City. While intoxicated, his senses and coordination are impaired. Both the controls, and the game's camera are dramatically affected.
Story
Set in Liberty City, a fictionalized version of New York City, Grand Theft Auto IV centers on Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant pursuing the "American Dream." The game presents a satirical view of modern day America and pokes fun at social and economic issues, liberals and conservatives, and criminals and law enforcement. Violence is an integral part of the game and current technology allows it to display in very realistic fashion.
Grand Theft Auto IV News and Information
What They Play: Grand Theft Auto IV (Xbox 360) | PS3
Xbox 360 Fanboy: GTAIV: Mainstream reaction roundup (May 12, 2008)
1up.com: Gaming Culture: GTA4 on the Talk Show Circuit (May 7, 2008)
8Bit Joystick: Kid Friendly Alternatives to Grand Theft Auto IV (May 12, 2008)
8Bit Joystick: How to stop kids from playing GTA IV on your Xbox 360 (May 1, 2008)
Popular Mechanics: Top 5 Non-Violent Things You Can Do in GTA IV (April 30, 2008)
GameSpot: Mothers against GTAIV's drunk driving (April 30, 2008)
Kotaku: Immigrant Welfare Group Criticizes GTA IV (April 28, 2008)
Next Generation: Crime Expert: GTA Controversy Over-Hyped (April 28, 2008)
Ars Technica: GTA IV sex video gives Thompson, other critics fresh ammo (April 28, 2008)
Washington Post: The Adult Crime Game Kids Love (April 27, 2008)
Joystiq: New Zealand receiving Australian censored version of GTA IV (April 27, 2008)
Stuff.co.nz: Grand Theft Auto: The Phenomenon (April 26, 2008)
IGN: ESRB Preps Parents for GTA IV (April 25, 2008)
What They Play: Kids talk about Grand Theft Auto IV (April 25, 2008)
Games Radar: 6 Reasons why kids should play GTA (April 25, 2008)
Variety: GTA critics blindly decry violence (April 25, 2008)
Joystiq: ESRB reminds parents GTA IV isn't for children (April 25, 2008)
Destructoid: Canadian cops hop on the GTA IV stupid wagon (April 25, 2008)
GamePolitics.com: Calgary Police: GTA IV a "Grave Concern" (April 25, 2008)
Calgary Sun: New video game feels police heat (April 25, 2008)
Ars Technica: Industry, critics fighting PR battle ahead of GTA 4 release (April 24, 2008)
Kotaku: California Senator Warns Parents: Don't Buy GTA IV For Your Kids! (April 24, 2008)
Kotaku: ESRB Levels Thorough Pre-Emptive Strike (April 23, 2008)
VideoGamer: Rockstar responds to GTA 4 cuts down under (April 10, 2008)
- <p>GamePolitics.com Parents Television Council Issues Alert on GTA IV (April 23, 2008)
What They Play: Grand Theft Auto IV: 11 Things Parents Should Know (April 3, 2008)
Ars Technica: Grand Theft Auto 4 passes UK ratings board without cuts (April 2, 2008)
RockStar Games: Grand Theft Auto IV: "Things Will Be Different" Trailer (Time: 1:03)
