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
Despite the claims of no difference to the naked eye between upconverted DVD's and Blu-Ray disc, it really is no comparsion. Blu-Ray is much better. The problem is escalating cost of living and less disposable income. Blu-Ray is just too expensive right now. When prices of Blu-Ray players and movies drop to compete with DVD players and movies then you will see the tide change.
After hours of playing GTAIV, I go about my life driving around town and feel like I'm still playing GTAIV - subconciously thinking to myself about cutting in between cars to make it to my destination or trying not to bump police cars on my way to work, and even holding myself back from stealing nearby helicoptors to fly around the city so I can get to the local strip clubs in my new $2,000 suit and designer glasses.
just kidding. joke, joke.
Until the game is fixed and the people whos consoles were destroyed compensated, they shouldn't be allowed to advertise.
After all, I highly doubt that they (Take Two), mention the severe problems people may have using this product on their advertisements.
Consumers are waiting for a price drop on Blue-Ray players. There will always be a point where an item will sell, but keep the price artificially high and watch a product die!
Mark Heinemann