GTA V Features Exposed Penises, Marijuana Use, and a “Brief Instance of Necrophilia”

Steer clear if you’re concerned about mild spoilers but, between the chaos of Gamescom, the US Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has published a breakdown of the mature content featured in Grand Theft Auto V.

The often humorously-blunt summary, available on the ESRB website, begins with a brief description of the game itself but goes on to outline the key reasons for the board’s decision to rate GTA V M.

“In this open-world action game, players assume the role of three criminals whose storylines intersect within the fictional city of Los Santos,” reads the description. “Players can switch between each character to follow his storyline, completing missions which often include criminal activities (e.g., stealing cars, executing heists, assassinating targets).”

“Players use pistols, machine guns, sniper rifles, and explosives to kill various enemies (e.g., rival gang members); players also have the ability to shoot non-adversary civilians, though this may negatively affect players' progress as a penalty system triggers a broad police search. Blood-splatter effects occur frequently, and the game contains rare depictions of dismemberment. In one sequence, players are directed to use various instruments and means to extract information from a character; the sequence is intense and prolonged, and it involves some player interaction (i.e., responding to on-screen prompts).

“The game includes depictions of sexual material/activity: implied fellatio and masturbation; various sex acts that the player's character procures from a prostitute—while no nudity is depicted in these sequences, various sexual moaning sounds can be heard. Nudity is present, however, primarily in two settings: a topless lap dance in a strip club and a location that includes male cult members with exposed genitalia in a non-sexual context. Within the game, TV programs and radio ads contain instances of mature humor: myriad sex jokes; depictions of raw sewage and feces on a worker's body; a brief instance of necrophilia (no nudity is depicted).

“Some sequences within the larger game allow players to use narcotics (e.g., smoking from a bong, lighting a marijuana joint); cocaine use is also depicted. Players' character can, at various times, consume alcohol and drive while under the influence. The words “f**k,” “c*nt,” and “n**ger” can be heard in the dialogue.”

On July 31 it was confirmed GTA V had been rated R18+ by the Australian Classification Board. The consumer advice identified drug use as the sole 'High Impact' element and the remaining classifiable criteria (themes, violence, language, nudity, and sex) were noted in the marginally less severe 'Strong Impact' column. However, the ACB rating did not include specific details of the game’s content as highlighted by the ESRB.

Luke is Games Editor at IGN AU. You can find him on IGN here or on Twitter @MrLukeReilly, or chat with him and the rest of the Australian team by joining the IGN Australia Facebook community.

Source : ign[dot]com