Without question, the eagerly anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV isn't for younger players because of its mature content – namely, graphic violence, sexual themes and coarse language

- 29 / 04 / 2008 20:50

For all those gamers out there, Tuesday's a big day as the video game, Grand Theft Auto IV, hit stores earlier in the morning.

Despite projected sales of $400 million, many critics are pointing their fingers at the extreme violence and sexuality of the game.

The Parents Television Council issued a statement last week blasting the game for its violent and sexual content saying that it's "just a crude, crass, disgusting, violent game".

The game, in which players steal cars, kill and rob people, among other things, is rated 'M' by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, which means it's not recommended for anyone under age 17.

 "It's probably the most violent game on the market. Drug use, violence, stealing cars, sexual interaction, stuff like that, " explains Robert Weaver, the assistant manager at GameStop in Harrisonburg.

However, the Grand Theft Auto games are no strangers to controversy.

The last version of the game, Grand Theft Auto III, was found to contain hidden sexually explicit content that could be unlocked by players.