FTC to Investigate 'Grand Theft' Mod

Just when gamers may have thought the controversy around Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas may be over, Take-Two Interactive Software on Tuesday announced that the Federal Trade Commission is looking into the game and the "Hot Coffee'"modification.

The Hot Coffee mod allows the main character to engage in sexual acts, causing the ESRB to change the rating of the game from "M" for Mature to "AO" for Adults Only. The ESRB's action meant the game was pulled from a majority of retailer's shelves, including Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, and Circuit City.

The uproar even caused Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) to jump into the fray, calling for the FTC to step in and investigate.

"The disturbing material in Grand Theft Auto and other games like it is stealing the innocence of our children and it's making the difficult job of being a parent even harder," Clinton said at the time.

On Monday, the House of Representatives also pushed for an investigation, passing a resolution asking the FTC to intervene. Tuesday's announcement makes it appear as if the FTC will heed the legislature and Clinton's call.

Details of what exactly is being investigated in the game were not made public. However, Take-Two said in a statement it would cooperate fully and believes its actions were "in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations."