GTA Ads Yanked in Chicago: Game Maker Calls in Lawers Not Thugs

The Chicago Transit Authority has allegedly pulled an ad campaign for Grand Theft Auto IV and the video game's publisher is suing. In papers filed in Manhattan federal court, publisher Take Two, claims the CTA is infringing on its first amendment rights and in breach of its contractual obligations by refusing to continue the campaign.

According to Reuters, Take Two wants the ads reinstated as well as financial compensation of $300,000.

Did Local Fox Affiliate Pressure CTA?

The ads were removed after a news item ran on a local Fox television station questioning the CTA's decision to run the campaign after a recent crime wave hit the city. This is not the first time GTA IV has come under fire, while fans lined up in droves to get their hands on the game, various advocacy groups denounced GTA IV for glamorizing crime, delinquent behavior and violence.

In 2004, Illinois enacted a law making it illegal to sell an M-rated game such as GTA IV to minors and was punishable by up to one year in jail. However, the law was struck down in 2005 as unconstitutional, says the Chicago Tribune.

Despite criticism over the game by lawmakers and advocacy groups, GTA IV fans seem oblivious to it all as they explore the visceral, virtual world the video game series is famous for.

CREDIT - PC World contributor Ian Paul

Comments

Post a comment Post a comment

0 / 1000 max characters