The Grand Theft Auto series of games has more or less sparked controversy since they were introduced to market. The latest, GTA IV, proves to be no different.

This time around there’s the ability to drive drunk in the game. Of course, MADD is having a field day with this.

Before continuing, yes, drunk driving whether virtual or real is absolutely 100% stupid. No one will dispute this.

But what I’m pointing out in this article is the way the game is rated.

GTA IV is rated Mature, which should mean that the people who play the game understand that the pseudo-drunk driving is for entertainment purposes only and does not promote the real-life activity of drunk driving.

MADD would believe otherwise and wants the game rated as “Adults Only”.

I consider it this way:

GTA IV is a game about…

• Stealing cars
• Shooting things
• Shooting people
• Blowing up stuff
• Having a complete disrespect for the law

…and whatever else you can think of in the “not good” category.

This isn’t exactly a milk-n-cookies wholesome game here. Not even close. And even though I personally disagree with having pseudo-drunk driving in any game, the main character is already doing everything illegal under the sun. Does having that “feature” make the game that much worse?

Regardless of what you think, MADD is at present making Rockstar Games (the publisher) a crapload of money right now.

Why?

Because there’s no such thing as bad publicity.

[Source: Google/AP]