GTA IV publisher sues over pulled ads

Previous complaints cited as reason

6 May 2008 11:06 GMT / By Verity Burns

Chicago Transit Authority has stirred up a bit of trouble with game publishers Take-Two, after deciding to pull Grand Theft Auto IV ads from buildings and buses across the city.

Take-Two is now seeking legal damages, claiming a violation of both its right to free speech and a contractual agreement.

A Take-Two spokesperson said: "Although we prefer to resolve these issues amicably, the CTA has refused to discuss with us its outrageous decision to pull advertising for the critically acclaimed game Grand Theft Auto IV while running ads for other forms of popular entertainment with similar content, including mature-themed TV shows and R-rated movies".

It is reported that CTA made the decision to remove GTA IV adverts after an advertising campaign in 2004 for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas caused many people to complain.

At that time, the advert had already run its course before anything could be done about it.

Take-Two is looking for around $300,000 in compensation as its 6-week campaign of 385 adverts had only just begun.

The CTA on the other hand, has simply said it will not charge Take-Two for the aborted GTA IV campaign.