It won't be long before an entire generation of gamers lose what little is left of their social lives, as Grand Theft Auto V's release is just around the corner. As expected, the ESRB slapped the game with an M rating, and posted the exact logic behind it on the board's official site. But in doing so, they've let loose a few spoilers here and there.
The usual array of the series' traditional amounts of copious violence, carjacking, and the world's oldest profession is represented in full, but the summary also mentions that the playable characters can engage in drug use, a new feature in the franchise. Don't misunderstand, drugs have played a big part in the series: The Grove Street Family using and the Ballers selling of crack in San Andreas, Colombian cartels pushing white powder in Grand Theft Auto III, the list goes on and on, but this is the first time playable characters can and most likely will directly use various illicit substances, or at least be depicted doing as much. And of course, there's a few pixelated body parts here and there.
The ESRB's full write up can be seen below, but you've been warned, there ARE a few spoilers here and there:
"Rating Summary: In this open-world action game, players assume the role of three criminals whose storylines intersect within the fictional city of Los Santos. 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."
Originally slated for a spring release, Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 5 will be available on Sept. 17th.
