Take-Two Interactive and Rockstar games have responded to the protests of the Haitian community. Advocates and activists for Haitian residents of NYC, the Human Rights Commission, and Mayor Bloomberg have been very critical of the content that have been labled as racist by some. It seems that Take-Two is listening and being very cooperative as well.

Below is the full statement from Take-Two and Rockstar Games. . .

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. and Rockstar Games, Inc. wish to express
our sincerest apologies to the Haitian people and Government of Haiti for any
offense that may have been caused by statements made in the video game Grand
Theft Auto: ViceCity.

As its name implies, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is a virtual crime world,
in which characters are involved in criminal activities, including fictional
gang warfare between rival groups. In creating the game, it was not our intention
to target or offend any group or persons or to incite hatred or violence against
such groups or persons.

In addition, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is “M” rated; it is not
intended for sale to under-17 audiences. Contrary to what some may believe,
it must be recognized that video games have evolved as an adult medium, not
unlike literature, movies and music. The fact that the game is popular does
not mean that it will encourage players to act out hatred or violence against
any group or persons in the “real world.” Certainly, this is not our
intent, nor is it the effect of the game.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was released in October 2002. We believe that recent
media coverage has taken certain statements made in the game out of context,
and has blown it out of proportion by mischaracterizing the nature of the game
play, as well as the actual portrayal of persons and groups in the game.

As with literature, movies, music and other forms of entertainment, we have
strived to create a video game experience with a certain degree of realism,
which we believe is our right. Nevertheless, we are aware of the hurt and anger
in the Haitian community and have listened to the community’s objections to
certain statements made in the game. Accordingly, we will remove the objectionable
statements from future copies of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

We have forwarded this statement to the various groups within the Haitian community
that have contacted us in an effort to address the concerns of the community.
We trust that our actions and our formal apologies can help to mendour relationship
with the Haitian community.

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