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SINGAPORE: Blockbuster game Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA 4) is the first M18-rated game to be released in Singapore under the new regulatory framework for video games, and Microsoft is sweetening the deal for gamers by slashing prices off its Xbox 360 console.
GTA 4, released on Tuesday, has been labelled one of the hottest games of the year, thanks to the improved artificial intelligence of its characters, the ability for players to compete with one another via the Internet and its controversial themes which resulted in previous instalments being banned.
The game rewards the player for carjacking, running people down with cars and shooting innocent bystanders.
Singapore's games classification system, which took effect on Monday, means that gamers here will be able to get their hands on the latest GTA title and two of its predecessors GTA Liberty City Stories and GTA Vice City Stories.
Games distributor New Era had earlier successfully appealed for these earlier instalments to be made available here under the M18 rating.
New Era is also in the process of appealing for CSI 4, a game based on the popular forensics-related television series that has been banned because of a raunchy scene.
The Media Development Authority (MDA) is still working out the details for penalties for game retailers that flout the regulations, although it says those who break the rules can be dealt with under the Films Act and Penal Code.
It was reported that retailers who sell restricted games without a rating label could be fined $500 for each copy of a game, up to a maximum of $40,000, or jailed as long as six months, or both.
False declarations of objectionable content in games by distributors could lead to a fine of $5,000 or up to six months' jail, or both.
As for the new console prices, Microsoft said that it was cutting prices of its Xbox 360 console by up to $121.
The Pro version of the console now costs $499 (previously $620), the Elite version costs $699 (previously $799) and the Arcade version costs $399 (previously $459).
The company's aggressive price-cutting strategy is part of Microsoft's efforts to make the Xbox 360 "more accessible" and to gain market share.
The Xbox console lacks the coveted Blu-ray high-definition drive that rival console PlayStation 3 touts.
This is not the first time Microsoft has slashed prices of its console. Last August, it reduced the price of the Xbox 360 by $40.
Sony, on the other hand, has increased prices of its PlayStation 3 (PS3) console to $599 from $559 since April 21.
Nintendo has no immediate plans to tweak prices for its Wii console, which retails at $659 and comes bundled with three games.
But Microsoft might want to heed the demands of gamers and release a console with a Blu-ray drive soon if it is to make any headway in the gaming console space.
Mr Eric Chua, an account executive, said: "I don't mind paying more for the PS3 because it has a Blu-ray drive. It means the games and movies that I buy will be future-proof." - TODAY/ar
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