Take-Two CEO's response to GTA 5's prostitutes is perfect

GameZone's Matt Liebl: "Grand Theft Auto gets a ton of flack for its content, and is constantly the target of criticism by traditional media. Meanwhile, movies and shows of the same graphic nature get a pass. Let's not act like games are alone in this. Grand Theft Auto is a gritty game intended for mature audiences. The developers are free to create whatever they want, bound only by moral obligation."

[theXtReMe1]

Here's a notion for all of those parents complaining… Actually parent your kids and limit what they can play or watch and let the adults make choices of their own. I understand it's easier to set your kid in front of the TV or computer, then to teach them anything… Because you're so busy texting and going to the gym and getting your nails done. anything and everything but parenting your own children. When something goes wrong you have to blame it on the media and the world around you, instead of taking responsibility for your own actions. Because nothing could ever be your fault. Pointing fingers is much easier. Just like allowing your children to raise themselves through social media and adult rated programming and games.

Sound familiar? Then YOU are part of the problem, not the games.

[Arkardo]

Well said my friend, practically that sums up the entire parenting stupidity around the world, poor kids of the future, very sad.

[user5575708]

I love how there's an article how people are making a stink about the prostitute scene and no one cares to mention the fact that you can kill people using like 50 different methods in the game

[Redrum059]

With today's American media and culture being so sexually driven, most of this generation's parents are starting their parenthood in their early 20s, basically still being kids themselves. It's no wonder they would rather stick their kids in front of the tv, the parents are kids themselves who would still rather go out and have fun then to actually raise and teach another human being. Sad age we live in. I'm 24 years old, my parents had me when they were reaching their 40s and had nothing but wisdom and life lessons to share with me. I plan on following that trend.
On topic: I've played games like this all my life, my parents had nothing to worry about , they knew they taught me right from wrong.

[t-hall785]

It's like all the parents thought "I'm sure they cleaned THIS GTA up after Fox News slammed the last one" ...lol I agree. Parent your kids so society doesn't have to.

[wsoutlaw87]

Lol redrum what? The "sexually driven" culture isnt creating babys, hormones are, look them up. You dont just get to make up facts. The average age of a first time mother has actually risen by over 4 years of age to 25.2 in the last 30 years. I'm sorry if some tv show gave you the wrong impression. The funniest part about your comment is just how hypocritical it is. You are complaining about how people blame forms of media for parenting issues, and try to reason that its the "sexually driven" media that is the problem. It's ridiculous, unthought out reasoning like yours, that is the issue here, and is the exact same as those who complain about video games. Its people acting like them selves are smart enough to make decisions but others are corrupted so easily by the "media". The "media" didn't create sexually and games didnt create violence. Its people that buy these things because they already enjoied them, not because some "thing" convinced them too. Sexuality and violence werent created recently and we dont get to just blame things we dont like on whatever we dont agree with.

[raWfodog]

As a parent, I can attest that it is hard to keep the 'evils' of the world away from the eyes of your children, especially since it is so prevalent in the media and on the Internet. Even if you cut out all TV and computer time, you cannot protect them from the other kids in their schools or on the playgrounds who may expose them to everything that you're trying to protect them from.

The most important things, in my humble opinion, is to talk to them, answer their questions, ask them questions, explain things to them, prepare them for the world that's awaiting them. Do your best to protect them from it but this also means not hiding them from it. It's a balancing act between exposing them to the cold, harsh truth but still keeping magic, wonder, and amazement in their young lives. As they get older and become teenagers, they will hopefully have a stable, secure base upon which to base their own decisions.

edit: sp

[WeAreLegion]

Absolutely. I think if more parents watched South Park, they would know this already.

[theXtReMe1]

I applaud you for actually taking part in your childs life and trying to do whats right. I agree that it is damn near impossible to shield them from everything, as it is everywhere. You just have to do your best and hope it is enough. Unfortunately, you are in the minority and most choose to let society raise their kids, because they are too busy to care. Putting themselves first, children second.

Again, mad props for being a proactive parent. Its people like you who can make a difference, so your kids can make the future world a better place to live.

[skwidd]

That was touchingly beautiful :)

Not sarcastic

[jspsc123]

lots of childrens cartoons are getting worse. almost every show has some sort of butt shaking where they zoom in on the butt. when you look at GTA or South Park you know what your getting into, so you can decide if you want your children to watch.the hidden sex themes are what makes me mad.the other day my kids were watching some monkey cartoon aimed towards infants, in it a male monkey was trying on womens heels.

[lifesanrpg]

@jspsc123 idk if cartoons are getting more inappropriate these days or if we are just noticing the subtleties more now that we're older.

I remember a Buzzfeed article (ugh I hate that site) that pointed out some hilariously inappropriate things in some of my favorite childhood cartoons. At the time it went right over my head, but now I'm like "WOW that is so inappropriate."

[frostypants]

@jspsc123: How is a monkey trying on heels a "hidden sex theme"? Kids play dress-up all the time, and every guy who had a big sister probably ended up wearing women's stuff at some point when they were toddlers (though perhaps not voluntarily...LOL). You need to not look at these things through the lens of a jaded adult.

@lifesanrpg: Those jokes are meant to provide some semblance of entertainment for the adult who more often than not is stuck watching the cartoon as well. If the joke goes over the kid's head, I don't see the problem, as it hasn't actually exposed the kid to anything. The only way the kid could get it is if they were already exposed to those things more explicitly, in which case the damage was already done.

[ThatOneGuyThere]

of course you have to talk to them about any questions they run into. however, you shouldnt be PROVIDING them with the evils of the world.

[NukaCola]

@raWfodog

Well said

That is the biggest issue with 99% of problems in the world. Education. If you educate someone, they understand the truth and the cuase and effects of the decision they make. If you shelter children from all the 'taboos' of the world, they won;t know how to deal with them and most likely make a poor choice when confronting them. If you want your kids to grow up sleeping around, doing drugs, and getting into trouble...give them a life of solitude and shelter. If you want them to be the adults you want them to be, teach them the right and wrong and more importantly the "why's and hows" of the world so they understand why they want to make the right decisions in life.

[Dee_91]

@jspsc123 No, the older you get the more you notice things.. for instance. I watched ren and stimpy when I was younger and thought nothing of it.. I watch it now and wonder what the hell was nickelodeon thinking making a cartoon like that lol.

[Pogmathoin]

Shows like Criminal Minds, CSI:las vegas show horrific ways to kill people, and people complain about GTA?....

I let my son play Red Faction, watched and saw him do something I did not like, but explained to him why it was wrong, and why things like what he did is the reason I do not let him have higher rated games. He did not like it but let it go and went back to Minecraft. Sometimes its just peer pressure, were kids in school are probably allowed to play anything, and it influences others... Again, it goes back to those parents who let games babysit kids.....

Dee 91, Ren and Stimpy, god I remember the shattered teeth with nerves dangling! I never considered that a kids cartoon...

[r1sh12]

I understand its hard to potentially stop everything, but many parents will just do anything to keep their kids quiet...including buying GTA.

If the kid is 16/17 then it probably has limited effect and by then they have probably partaken in most of the things you chose not to believe.
But the 11 year olds :/

[maxqubit]

Well said! (the blame culture is pretty sickening)

[Blues Cowboy]

Yup. But you can NEVER blame the parents. Oh no.

There's always a scapegoat. I bet even Shakespeare got blamed for corrupting the young with all the saucy jokes and murders in those plays.

[slasaru01]

No he wasn't. At his time children in Britain drank beer and were taken to watch public executions.

[creeping judas]

I mean Shylock only wanted his payment in a pound of flesh, cut from Antonio who owed him money. I mean there's no violence or gruesomeness in taking a pound of flesh from a human being?

[RebelWAC]

Gave you a bubble for that one. Nuff said

[protocol10]

I agree but at some point developers need to start asking themselves how far is too far? Giving them complete amnesty to do what ever they want no matter how far they go without being checked is wrong. Banging hookers and getting a blow jog doesnt belong in a video game. But then again, teenagers are the ones playing so they would obviously state otherwise. Which shows the gaming industries immaturity and by immaturity i mean childishness. This industry needs to grow up! Ok...go ahead an rack up the disagrees!!!!

[Revengeance]

"Banging hookers and getting a blow jog doesn't belong in a video game."

That's like saying it doesn't belong in movies either. Why not? This is a VIDEO GAME. This is the world Rockstar has created and it's a grity one. Does it affect you in any way in real life? Does it make you want to do things you wouldn't normally do? If not then you have no right to say what does and doesn't belong in a video game.

"But then again, teenagers are the ones playing so they would obviously state otherwise. Which shows the gaming industries immaturity and by immaturity i mean childishness."

Wow this comment proves not only are YOU the immature one but you make baseless statements to try to prove a point. Do you have proof that ONLY teenagers are playing this? I can tell you right now I have met quite a few adults that play GTA becuase they're GREAT GAMES, not purely for sex and violence.

If you don't like these games you have the freedom to NOT buy them but don't go around telling people how to make their games. Thank you.

[Mac420]

Game is rated M which is meant for 17+ so unless they are Highschool Juniors/Seniors they should not be playing GTA. People like you have this horrible misconception that video games are meant for children an children only. Same parents that allow these children to play GTA wouldn't allow them to watch a movie rated over PG13. Makes absolutely no sense at all, ratings are there for a reason. So parents don't have to waste money buying a title for a child that it isn't appropriate for.

On a side note resent surveys have shown, most gamers now are between the age of 25-40 years old with over 35% being females. Don't want inappropriate games being played by children buy them a Nintendo Wii, WiiU, Or DS.

People like you are the stem of the problem, the game industry doesn't need to do anything, parents need to learn to check ESRB Ratings an retailers need to do a better job at communicating with parents buying these types of games for children. It's as simple as that!

[donthate]

Actually, it is the fact that "parents" don't recognize the "similarity" that is causing the problem i.e. they don't recognize that they have hand in all this.

It is just much easier to limit my freedom, and mold the world to become a better baby sitter for their kids. It is all an illusion though. The world is a harsh evil place and the games I play has little to do with it!

[Rainbowcookie]

Exactly ... most (not all) parents today are total hypocrites . How dare you tell your child no but you do it anyway and how dare you complain about your child's behavior , but you are the same. Teach your kids right and wrong and explain why it is ... when they are old enough they can make good decisions because they kno them and why they are good.

[PONTIAC08G8GT]

Does anyone watch Sons of Anarchy? There was an episode recently where the opening scene (about 2 minutes long) was guys and girls having sex. People are constantly being killed, women are beaten, but that's OK cause it's TV.

BTW, it's a lot easier for a kid to turn to a channel with this going on then it is to regulate what game he plays.

[LightDiego]

Perfect post, i'm in love. <3

[Muzikguy]

Very well said. The part about blaming everyone else and pointing fingers can go for people in general. Ones that want to take whoever they can to court and why that system is all f'd up. It pains me to see people getting away with some of the stupidest things because of their own ignorance

[Dyldog69]

Thank you

[xwilldemise]

Facts

[cyclindk]

Ignorance is definitely the culprit here. Russian roulette is a game too, why not let your kids play that too while you're at it moronic people...

[paul-p1988]

I could not agree with you more, bubbles to you!

I have an 18month old son, and if he wants to play games I will let him at a reasonable age (I was given a NES at 3yrs old, which I think is far too early!), but equally I will encourage him to play outside, read books, and will discipline him when necessary. I will just talk to my son, and if he is level headed, and i think a certain film or game won't affect him, then i will let him experience it (most likely with supervision) as I know you can't stop kids from finding this stuff, if I stop him then his friends will show him instead!

I don't want to lumped together with all these idiots who just stick their kids infront of a TV then complain that TV has ruined their kids, and that TV should have taught them real life morals instead of me having to put any work in...

[Scatpants]

If you let your young child play this game then you are a bad parent. Especially after watching it in action. No child under the age of 14 should play this. After 14 they've probably seen or heard everything this game has to offer so it probably doesn't matter if they play it.

[TheSaint]

The console is the poor mans nanny these days, so sad.

[pelida]

But what about kids that doesn't have good caring parents, bad luck?

[MajorLazer]

Best comment I've ever read on N4G

[supes_24]

@theXtReMe1,

Lol, you have 5 disagrees. Guess those are 5 parents who do what you mention in your post thinking they're good parents, lol!

[XanderZane]

I agree. Parents should definitely keep their kids away from mature games like this. No different then "R" & "NR" films. If you are a responsible parent, you'll not let you child play these type of games until they are 18 or over. It's that simple. Media and politicians like to blame developers and publishers for this which is wrong. Same thing with guns. Keep them away from kids and crazy people. Lock them up and lock all the bullets in a safe.

[ATi_Elite]

Yes his response was great and much better than mine which would of been "yes you can sleep with and kill hookers in gtav, why you wanna be a hooker"? (as I pull out cash and a bat)

Same old useless gta bad game crap.

[Illusive_Man]

Breaking news: Simulating real life simulates reality.

[Gazondaily]

This is very true. Goat Simulator is proof of this.

[frostypants]

Holy crap...you just made me recall a dream I had 2 nights ago that had completely evaporated from my mind. I dreamt that I met the makers of Goat Simulator, but they were 100% serious about their game...they were these somewhat dim rednecks who truly intended to create a faithful simulation of a goat, and didn't understand why people thought their game was funny...and all the "bugs" were accidental, and they were doing their best to fix it. I have no idea where the dream came from and I've only watched others play Goat Simulator. I think I need to stop drinking right before bed...

[Gazondaily]

Is that what you really dream about??!

And here I thought I was mad for dreaming about the return of Uchicha Sausuke back to N4G.

[Blaze929]

gee ZUS are we STILL doing this in 2014? Who is 17+ complaning about sex in a GTA video game? Oh right, no one but the parents letting there 16- kids play it.

[IvanCRO95]

Can't touch this, tnnn

[DigitalHope]

Momma always said in Los Santos every time a hooker dies an angel gets its wings.

[snookiegamer]

I don't see what the hoo haa is all about. It's not like you have to do anything Sexual in GTA V. You could easily not interact with Prostitutes etc...

...and how many times have you seen hookers in movies getting slain or addicted to meth/heroin, yet those movies don't get as much attention?? It's 'cos we interact and movies are just watched...but both have same effect...nada!

[DualWielding]

no is because non-gamers still think of video games as toys meant for 7 year old children instead of as equals to all other forms of fiction

[ORyanDeee]

great interview, he certainly knows what hes talking about

[Claudinho69]

its not made for kids

[Heisenburger]

People always seem to ignore that it is a video game being played by someone. THEY decide what to do. Rockstar lets the player do what they want. Are you upset that the player has the freedom of choice, or are you upset by what they themselves choose to do?

It's akin to being mad at a company that produces paint, because I chose to try and get high off of it.

Moronic.

[Godz Kastro]

Watching a movie and playing a game are two different experiences. He speaks of this "gritty" environment as if they don't have normal citizens walking around doing normal everyday things.

Then here comes along said GTA character causing havoc on what otherwise would be a peaceful setting.

[Pl4sm4]

because real life L.A is peaceful ... because any real life setting is peaceful and everyone gets along lol

[madeupname]

I wouldn't say other forms of media get a pass, but I think people are scared because it is in a video game and it should be about flowers and barbie dolls to some people. It is a mature game for a mature audience.

[MajorGecko]

we haven't had a barbie horse racing this gen :(

[SCW1982]

I find it kinda funny that the prostitute in that picture kinda looks like a certain Anita that is stirring up controversy in the industry. Was this rockstar having some fun?

[dredgewalker]

Please don't insult prostitutes by comparing them to that woman :)

[Nada Nuff]

Why is common sense constantly under attack?

[Pl4sm4]

movies shows decapitated head and hardcore sex scenes ... mehh ..... video game does it ... OMG END OF THE WORLD BAN GAMES !!!!..... screw this fucked up society ... i wish to see it all burn down to hell ...

same thing with that guy that helped land the probe on the comet ... all that he got is criticism for a shirt .... screw this world

[MajorGecko]

the ammount of little kids under the age of 10-12 on gta for 360 was a reality check to today's parenting.

[feedthereaper]

People complain about stuff for no reason. As long as the content is age restricted there is no complaint to be had.
I have actually seen two different parents complain this week that the game is disgusting and should never have been made because they don't like their TWELVE year old kids seeing that stuff when their kids play it, completely making themselves ignorant to the fact it has a big 18 age rating slapped on the front of the game box!

Its almost as ludicrous the 420 odd complaints made the other week about the non-nude sex scene in the walking dead was too graphic! It was NOT nude and was surrounded by random acts of beatings, graphic cannibalism and soooo many hacking and slashing of zombies that the local blood bank could have survived for 10 years, and yet people complained in their hundreds that it was too graphic to have 2 consenting adults have a sex scene where their naked bodies were concealed by shadows! 5 Series of the most brutal and graphic gore ever seen in a TV show and not a single complaint until the other week when someone had sex covered in shadows so no nudey bits show! What the F*** is the world coming to????

[mochachino]

Hear, hear!

[Enigma_2099]

Movies that have certain types of content are rated acccordingly. So was this game. Take a hint.

[Gore-Content]

There are prostitutes in this game? Someone call unibrow anita!

[windblowsagain]

Strange really out of all the things in this game.

The main thing that bothers me is why they included being ABLE to stamp on someone's head.

[SuperbVillain]

Woooorrrrllldddstarrrr

[caffman]

if you dont want your 12 year old to play an 18 RATED GAME, dont buy it for them.

[contradictory]

Fucking ratings... i remember the glorious time when i was kid and played all sorts of violent shit like Doom and Postal.... and i turned out just fiiiine ;D

[xwilldemise]

F*CK HER RIGHT IN THE P*SSY!

[ps5fanboy]

How can a game be flagged for creating a virtual reality based on reality , if it isn't nice in a game , shouldn't we first apply the same to changing reality for the better... Mind you GTA would be crap then Lol.

[Deeke]

The prostitution scenes show no nudity. What about the strip club scenes that make a mini-game focused on groping a stripper who's naked from the waist up and not getting seen by the bouncer?

Funny how critics avoided that little topic isn't it? It's almost as if...they haven't played...that segment.

Hmm.

In any case, Take Two is a genius and I commend them for their response. They won't cow down to pressure. Sex is a part of life, and GTA is always about the sordid, vice-ridden chaos of criminal life.

Also there's a reason why games are rated M for Mature. A very good reason.

[SuperbVillain]

Don't get why parents are still buying their kids GTA games. They know what this game is. Its been around for so many years now.

[MCTJim]

what I don't get is why parents would buy this game for a 12 year old in the first place. As I browse the comments here, one thing sticks out..THE ESRB ratings. Its there for the uninformed person to make the informed decision. The only person to blame is the person who purchased it.

I can remember being upset when they came out with the ratings system in the first place. I remember the bill being passed...I thought to myself, why are the parents not just reading up on the game and making that decision not to buy it for their young children.

I have 2 grown kids, I'm 48, I knew what they were playing when I bought a game. But now we live in a society where its easier to point the finger and place blame on someone else when its clearly the finger pointer where the fault lies.

This type of stuff really bothers me. The other thing that irks me is the lane drift camera warning system in cars...moral of the story...pay attention and stop blaming others for your misgivings as a parents. Be involved with your kids, raise them, stop asking the gov't to do it for you.