Japanese publisher (charged with releasing 3 in Japan) has decided to take against local governments in a bid to overturn 18-certificate age ratings imposed upon GTA3. Currently, GTA3 carries a certificate and warning, and it is illegal to sell the title to those under eighteen years of age in some parts of Japan. Originally, the game was recommended for those over eighteen only, but now, some prefectures have begun changing legislation in order to make sale of the game illegal. It is this enforcement Capcom are challenging.

The Kanagawa district of recently changed their local laws to enforce the eighteen certification, and other governments are expected to make a similar decision. "Japan's videogame is a world-class business, which foundations are supported by the freedom of expression and intellectual property protection laws," read a statement. "Like our country itself has been practicing, it is essential that we continue to make efforts to sustain these two factors that are essential for growth of the game industry."

Capcom owns the Japanese rights to the entire GTA series, and stated that publishers could be trusted to recommend ages and self-censor as appropriate. "It is especially important to handle freedom of expression with care. It is a powerful factor in society, but also something extremely delicate." More on this legal move soon, and other exciting controversies.

By Luke Guttridge

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