Gamemaker's settlement with FTC

Last year several lawmakers asked the Federal Trade Commission to look into hidden sexually explicit content in Grand Theft Auto. This week, the FTC released its report and the news of a deal with GTA's makers. "When the scandal [about GTA's hidden "Hot Coffee" mod] broke in July 2005, the game's publishers, New York-based Take-Two Interactive Software and Rockstar Games, agreed to change the rating to AO [Adults Only] and subsequently incurred $24.5 million in costs due to returns of the game," CNET reports. "Under the terms of Thursday's settlement with the FTC, Take-Two and Rockstar Games agreed to 'clearly and prominently disclose on product packaging and in any promotion or advertisement...content relevant to the rating.' Any violations would mean hefty fines." For NetFamilyNews coverage, see "Grand Theft Auto's X-rated content?" and "Videogames turning point."