Rockstar stands behind Australian GTA IV edits, calls for '18' rating

Rockstar has assured Australian gamers that the edited version of Grand Theft Auto IV, chopped up to better fit the country's highest possible rating of MA15+, will not alter the experience in a "significant" way. Rockstar explained, "While there are some minor differences between the Australian and US/EU versions, they are not significant and we do not believe they take away from the level of scope and detail that make GTA IV such an incredible experience."

As incredible as said experience is, the controversial company still recommended that Australia's Office of Film and Literature Classification implement an R18+ rating in order to avoid these allegedly insignificant edits. "We strongly support the OFLC and will continue to work within their guidelines; however we believe the government needs to bring games in line with other media by introducing an R18+ rating, or edits to games will continue to be necessary," said Rockstar.

Once the game finds its way into Australian hands, we're sure to discover just which aspects of the game wound up on the chopping bloc.