San Andreas to be re-classified in NZ

To continue our coverage of the ongoing saga which is the 'Hot Coffee' mod for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, news emerged today that Chief Censor Bill Hastings has decided to call in the game for re-classification following recent reports that the video game contains hidden sex scenes.

In New Zealand Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was classified R18 in 2004. The classification was given because of the game?s depiction of crime and violence. The sexual content can be activated by downloading additional software to unlock codes already existing in the game.

"The sexual content was not known to be part of the game when we classified it in 2004. I have decided to use my power to call in the game for classification now that these hidden scenes have come to light" said Mr Hastings.

The modified version of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas will be classified afresh. Staff of the Classification Office will play the game and consider its classification in light of the new content. If the classification changes, distributors will be required to re-label the game.

"R18 is the highest age restriction that the Classification Office can make. The game's classification will not necessarily change because of the sex scenes. However, we need to be sure that the current classification is still appropriate given that the game can be changed by activating new content" said Mr Hastings.

It will take the Office approximately two weeks to classify Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas once it is received from Internal Affairs.

You can read about the ongoing ?Hot Coffee? saga, and let us know your thoughts in the forums