335 Navigating the Legal Maze
In the UK, the "GTA" series was under the threat of being fully banned by the British Board Film Classification. Despite "GTA III" having been in the Japan and US markets for months, the EU version released in the UK had only been around for a few weeks. Yet, it was already on the verge of being banned.
Many gamers in the country were also quite updated on the matter and scared about "GTA" facing a ban. BBC News criticized KiShin for releasing such a video game, and many civilians tuning in, with no idea about video games, felt that KiShin was truly a bad company.
In the news, many experts analyzing the matter pushed for the "GTA" series to be banned.
Meanwhile, KiShin representatives decided to pacify the British Board Film Classification by presenting a version of "GTA III" with a slightly edited, inappropriate dubbed scene. They also labeled the video game as rated 18+, which also applied to "GTA I and II." The situation had been ongoing for about a month, but the process was still underway.
As the fate of the "GTA" series hung in the balance, with the decision on whether to ban it or not progressing, KiShin's competitors watched from the sidelines with smug smiles on their faces.
Indeed, it was Tora and Suzuki; in fact, the influence of these two companies contributed to the situation KiShin is currently facing.
Unable to compete on the same footing as KiShin, Tora and Suzuki sought ways to undermine KiShin by scrutinizing their video games. They discovered that the "GTA" series contained violent and crime-themed elements, prompting them to attack KiShin and push for the series to be banned in countries like the UK.
The UK, led by the BBFC, became the first to take action against the multi-billion-dollar company, KiShin, criticizing the "GTA" series. Exploiting varying degrees of restrictions, cultural sensitivities, societal values, and legal frameworks across countries, Tora and Suzuki capitalized on these differences.
Even without KiShin's competitors, concerns about a potential ban seemed inevitable. However, KiShin could have handled the matter more easily, with minimal public pressure through local media coverage.
Beyond the UK, the "GTA" series faced apprehensions in countries like Australia and Germany, the latter enforcing a strict Youth Protection Act (Jugendschutzgesetz) regulating violent content in media.
KiShin representatives, along with legal advisers, managed the situation adeptly. In Australia, KiShin complied with regulations by imposing strict age restrictions on their video games, including the "GTA" series. Similarly, in Germany, KiShin adhered to regulations by implementing strict age restrictions and making modifications to align with the legal requirements.
However, Brazil exerted significantly higher pressure on KiShin. The Department of Justice in Brazil contemplated a complete ban on the "GTA" series, asserting that the video game promoted violence and crime through content featuring car hijacking, killing, and more. Consequently, they considered it reasonable to ban the video game series without the need for procedures or discussions with KiShin representatives.
Nevertheless, KiShin was determined to prevent this scenario. Despite facing pressure, the company made earnest efforts to appease authorities by willingly implementing age restrictions and removing specific content.
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In Tokyo, Minato, Japan.
Shin reviewed the report on the "GTA" series, much like the evaluation of the "Mortal Kombat" video game, currently undergoing scrutiny regarding potential bans.
Shin discovered the challenging diversity of censorship laws across many countries. Despite holding back foul language in the "GTA III" series and ensuring the content was toned down compared to the original "GTA III" from his previous life, it still fell outside regulations and wasn't deemed suitable for the age of 13 or so.
Shin gained valuable insights from this experience, realizing the importance of consulting the company's legal advisers before releasing video games in different countries.
Despite the "GTA" series released by KiShin in the UK and Germany being the EU version, which inherently had restraints compared to the US version, it still failed to fully comply with the regulations of these countries.
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In early August 1996, KiShin successfully appeased the British Board Film Classification. The "GTA" series now carried strict age restrictions, requiring an 18+ age for purchase or gameplay. Additionally, certain cutscenes were removed.
KiShin successfully navigated the regulations in Australia and Germany, implementing 18+ age restrictions and removing specific content or cutscenes. However, many gamers under 18 in these countries were disappointed. While relieved that "GTA III" avoided a ban, the restriction of purchase until the age of 18 left them somewhat saddened. Yet, alternative means of obtaining and playing the game still existed.
Meanwhile, KiShin faced challenges in Brazil, where the court was deliberating whether to ban the game or not.
In the USA, KiShin adjusted the age restrictions for "GTA III" in response to a small group's complaints about their children being influenced by the game. Despite KiShin's initial adherence to US video game regulations, the evolving nature of these regulations, especially in the early stages, prompted caution. To prevent potential legal or political actions, KiShin proactively modified the age restrictions for "GTA III" in the country.
