Yee Blasts ESRB for Rating of Video Game

Speaker pro Tem Yee Blasts ESRB for Failing to Appropriately Rate Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Ultra-Violent Best Selling Video Game Found to have Hidden Graphic Sex Scenes

Assembly Speaker pro Tem Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/Daly City), child psychologist and legislator who has pushed for laws limiting children's access to ultra-violent video games, today blasted the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) for failing to appropriately rate the best-selling video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (GTA:SA).

Earlier this week, it was reported that the latest in the Grand Theft Auto series includes hidden animations which allow players to watch graphic scenes featuring oral sex, nudity, and simulated intercourse. Rockstar, the game's developer, nor Take 2 Interactive, the game's publisher, denies that the graphic videos were included in the game. Despite these graphic scenes, GTA:SA only received an "M" rating for "mature" instead of the ESRB most restrictive rating of "AO" for "adults only." Most retailers will not carry games with an AO rating.

"Once again, ESRB has failed our parents," said Speaker pro Tem Yee. "This particular game has been known to include extremely heinous acts of violence, and now it has been uncovered that the game also includes explicit sexual scenes that are inappropriate for our children. I have urged the ESRB on numerous occasions to rate this game AO based on its blatantly graphic nature."

"Whether it is JFK: Reloaded, Manhunt, 25 to Life, or now Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the video game industry continues to demonstrate a sense of arrogance towards public opinion and a lack of responsibility in protecting our children," said Speaker pro Tem Yee.

While ESRB claims to be a non-biased ratings board that gives parents a valuable tool in deciding appropriateness of games for their children, they are funded by the makers of video games who have a financial interest in making sure their games are not rated AO.

"Clearly the ESRB has a conflict of interest in rating these games," said Speaker pro Tem Yee. "Plain and simple, parents cannot trust the ESRB to rate games appropriately or the industry to look out for our children's best interests."

Speaker pro Tem Yee's AB 450, legislation to limit children's access to ultra-violent video games, has been stalled on the Assembly floor, although he continues to work with various stakeholders on the bill.

"The ESRB and the video game industry cannot police themselves and this is yet another example of why we need legislation to limit these types of games to children," said Speaker pro Tem Yee.