Grand Theft Auto dodges indecency fine

Take2 Interactive is required to properly notify consumers of adult content in future games

Makers of the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas video game have reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over sexually explicit material hidden in the game.

The so-called 'Hot Coffee' hack allowed players to view animated adult content within the game. The porn scenes sparked debate in the US seeking stricter control of video games. 

GTA: San Andreas had already caused a fair amount of controversy because players act out criminal acts of stealing cars, delivering drugs and soliciting prostitutes.

The game was rated 'M' for mature in accordance with the Entertainment Software Rating Board's classification. But the sexually explicit material warranted a rating of 'AO' for adults only, prompting the FTC to launch an investigation.

The settlement requires Take2 Interactive to properly notify consumers of racy content in future games. The company faces a penalty of up to $11,000 per violation.

The 'Hot Coffee' patch was developed last summer by 36-year old game modder Patrick Wildenborg from The Netherlands.

The game's makers initially tried to blame the adaptations on Wildenborg and other hackers, but later admitted that the content was hidden on the game's DVD.