HELL NO! I love rock star games too much to cash in...and I have both copy of the 1st edition..I got the xbox and the ps2 version but I refused to do this...also I can't wait till GTA IV comes out!!!!!

DespisedMC

This lawsuit is sick. I'm actually a bit disgusted in the way that the payout was advertised on this site, like this is free money that we should all be cashing in on.

In my eyes this is basically taking advantage of the American legal system to steal money from a good company that hasn't done anything wrong.

ultimatepancakesensation

I'm half way through San Andreas right now actually, and every time I play through it I'm amazed at what an accomplishment the game is. From the voice acting to story to just the general character progression, it's a game I'll never forget.

There isn't a chance in hell I'd steal (essentially) Rockstar's well-deserved profit.

unmarkedone

Free money? Heck yes I'll take it. There's no chance I've still got the receipt... got the game the day it come out... when was that, 1999? :(

Well, I'll still get my 5 bucks. Rockstar'll get their money back when I buy the new GTA box set.

MCW07

Can I sue Game Genie for turning the sweat in SNES Mortal Kombat 1 into red blood? Really, it warped me like a whistle...

smitty1123

Taking money from Rockstar is like drinking hot coffee after it's gone cold. It just ain't right!

DugDawg

So hold on. The Court, in it's ... let's just say 'somesorta' wisdom ruled that if you bought the M rated game and played it.. and/or then heard about this buried easter egg file that was NEVER meant to be seen or played and not accessible via normal means... ran out and bought the hardware that was needed... then played the M ranted game again- following the instructions you found on the internet to the letter... opened up this crap lame ass file... AND THEN FOUND that these gamers were HORRIBLY offended so much so that they need to be refunded for their ORIGINAL purchase that plays the game just fine... as an M rated game????

Brilliant ruling.

GameChad

I hate that fish

mcheddadi

If the lawyers want to get their hands on a copy of the good version they're going to have to pay me more than $35. Now if they were swapping it for a "so-hot-it's-on-fire coffee" version then we'd be talking.

MattB

I for one, was traumatized by the Hot Coffee mod in GTA San Andreas. I mean sure, I had to go on the internet and search for how to get to it. And maybe I knew exactly what was coming up, and I had to perform the required actions in the game to get to it. And OK, it was harder to get to then actually going to my computer to download internet porn, which anyone with an internet connection (no matter what their age is) can do. However, I assure you that I was indeed traumatized!

MiyamotosChin

Here's a thought. If the sex in Mass Effect was an interactive mini-game would that also warrant a frivolous lawsuit, or would it have to be hidden in an otherwise wholesome game full of foul language, and hooker killing?

Gouki4u

i bet you can get more for the first edition disk off of ebay in 5-10 years.

"original hot coffee gta:sa on sale now!"

Truepatriot

I have the receipt still but.

Unfortunately my sensibilities weren't offended and It's a little bit below me to cash in on this kind of legal farce.

Slick-Rick

man, I forgot how bad San Andreas looked. or maybe I'm just spoiled by current HD graphics. but still, geez.

kromekoran

I love class action lawsuits. Automobile manufacturing oversight horribly burn, and maim your family? Here's five bucks. Don't you feel better? No? Well at least the lawyers made some dosh.

Gouki4u

Maybe she is practicing her operatic singing skills, also, love the fist icon and time/money counter in the corner. "Yeah, sing it ho! To-re-a-dore..."

NoStyle

@dipic:
Thats the spirit! :P

K-Squad! (Badass Edition)

Please don't participate in this. It is simply court-enforced theft from the Grand Theft Auto developers. You were not harmed by this game. You have no legitimate claim to compensation.

The fact that you have a LEGAL claim to compensation that is not legitimate (nor right, nor honest) is an indication that the LEGAL system is not legitimate (nor is it right, nor honest).

Please do the right thing. Don't take the money. And don't aid the other folks who will take the money or the lawyers who are in charge of this scam.

Thank you.

Kohath

@GUY_JIN:
you sir are the winner.

infi

She looks surprised, but not in an erotic way. Maybe she just got picked to be the next contestant on The Price is Right?

NoStyle

@K-Squad! (Badass Edition): I'm a God-fearing conservative gamer and I'll be damned if I'm returning my copy. :p

dipic

No way I'm giving up my copy of SA. Also, Rockstar's in enough financial trouble as it is. I'd rather be paying them for GTA IV than getting paid less than the worth of SA (now that the originals are out of production) for content that I will never access. I will never support this crap that simultaneously gives all game modders and all of Rockstar a bad name.

Blah8

I wish my girlfriend didn't give away my first edition S.A. I liked the novelty of it, and would not participate in this suit either.

justaburden

Pass? This money has already been paid out by Rockstar, and the attorneys have already been paid. If you don't collect, then the money is distributed to those within the collecting pool.

I see no reason not to collect if you can do so.

Islandkiwi

I'll pass.

Heyyou27

@raddishs: Yes, so even if you don't agree with it, grab the cash if you are elibible and spend it back into the video game economy in protest.

Applekid

Whether you participate or not doesn't matter. Most of the time, class action lawsuits are about the LAWYERS, not the class members. They've already got there's so they couldn't care less if you participate or not.

Darth_Tigris

Sweet. Now all I need is the retards Texas that recently sued Live to win and thats the best 60 bucks I've ever not worked for.

fyren

I love cupcakes...but this sounds so off the wall ridiculous...who effin wants to go through that much hassle just to get $35?
And don't ask me what cupcakes have to do with anything, it wasn't as ridiculous of a statement as the article.
Not bashing the writer, just the whole damn topic.
35 bucks...please. I can still get 1st editions of GTA SA for less than that.
~Peace~

Coz

i would never support those who sued rockstar over something so FUCKING LAME.

seriously, i would LOVE to spit in the faces of the people who did this.

not fucking cool.

joelface

@Clarke: Actually I think it would be funnier if someone used it at starbucks...or bought a really cheap hooker. Or both.

Mongerking

What happens if less then $1 million is claimed? Do the lawyers get to keep it?

raddishs

i shall not partake

Ahsayuni

@Clarke:
Sounds like Jack Thompson's nightmare.

lstormy10

Pffft. Like hell.

*pats her copy of SA affectionately*

Cola82

Class Action lawsuits are the one of the biggest scams in recent memory. Another way for the masses of lawyers to extort money out of companies. If you're that offended file your own lawsuit. These damn things should be opt-in not opt-out.

jobble

I watched the video on youtube, so should I get my $5 from them or the guy who posted it?

Mongerking

It would be quite ironic if the $35 dollars people get goes to purchase GTA IV.

Clarke

whom can i sue if i want more hot coffee in my games and less jack in the news?

tomsamson

What kind of godless liberal gamer would return GTA!!

K-Squad! (Badass Edition)

Once again Trial Attorneys show their true worth to society. Money grubbing parasites that produce absolutely NOTHING.

Cell9song

Does anyone actually sill have their receipt for the first edition?

I'll just keep my disk, thanks.

Peryite

fucking despicable.

zcaliber

I'll keep my first version. It will be a collector item one day.

PapaBear434

Take money from a company that makes games I love? PASS.

Tarv

I swear that when I booted the game the FIRST thing it asked me was if I wanted to play a mini-game where I hump computer generated broads. Tried to sell my copy to GameStop but they wouldn't take it, sold it to XYZ Friend #29 and I dunno where he went. Looks like I'm out of $10.

Thassodar

Thats too much hassle for as little as 5 dollars. I poop 5 dollars every day. Or is it 5 pounds?

ArmyofJuan

Free 5 bucks if you're willing to possibly commit perjury.

zapdsl

I'll claim the $5 and spend it on porn.

GUY_JIN

Rediculous. For content you had to willingly hack in you get to put your grubby little fingers into Rockstar's pocket.

Not. Right.

explodingmanMK2

I have the first edition disc but I refuse to take part in this ridiculous frivolous lawsuit. Its not like when I booted up the game the Hot Coffee bit was there ready to be played, or unlocked when I beat the game, or basically anything short of hacking/modding the game.

NitrousO

That, and it probably doesn't cover Canadian purchses. Good point, BD.

PlayerX

I will not participate in this frivolity. I'm a university student, and I have no money, and I'm still not gonna do this.

PlayerX

I love America.

BD

This is a time where my seemingly silly tendency to keep the receipt of every game I buy in the left hand "sleeve" in front of the instruction manual or CD key works out.

Chew13acca

I'm not touching that money. I don't plan on contributing to a society where this kind of insanity can happen.

Edge of Blade

They actually PAY YOU for porn?

The Dark Defender

Wow, Kotaku.

Brocklesocks

No way!!! I will keep my `hot coffee` thank you!

PITwelve

Don't the lawyers and stuff get to keep the money that isn't giving back to the people? You could always take the money and send it back to Rockstar somehow >.>... Just a thought.

R1co281

@PlayerX: Seriously. I will gladly take free money, but this is just dirty. Parents need to get their heads out of their asses and figure out what the hell their kids are doing. Not turn a blind eye and then expect a payday because of their ineptitude.

mmr

@Edge of Blade:

i agree. its dirty money.

joelface

Heh, take the money then send it back to Rockstar. Better then just leaving the money there because at least you know where the money went.

nooberific

out of respect for rockerstar, i think i'll pass.
but who gets the left over money?

Shananag0n

Can I get a payout for the pain and suffering I've endured by how overblown the whole Hot Coffee story has gotten?

Purple Dave

Going through with this is just supporting people like Ol' Jack, by giving him more power. If you like games, if you love games furthermore don't do it. It's treason to our gaming culture and an insult to everyones intelligence, i compare it to Warning: Contents is Hot labels. Seriously, it is as if all logic has been lost in the American Legal system. Here is something that is comparable, you buy some tea bags. You go home, boil water, get a teacup, let the boiling water get all the scents and tastes from the teabag. But then you spill it on yourself, you get a nasty burn. Who's fault is it? This just makes me mad...im out.

smeee

@GUY_JIN: =D

American lawyers are funny.

Malmer

My First Edition is MINE!!

after this all blows over, it might be worth some money some day...

besides, who the hell keeps game receipts from 3+ years ago?

Nside

Not doing none of that bs. I love Rockstar and this is unfair to them especially if people are willing to take their money even though they enjoyed GTASA!

Lumines

Wow, this is extreme bs. Why would anyone take Rockstar's money when they willingly played on of the best sandbox game ever. It's not like they forced you to play it.

Lumines

I'm in Britain but I would email Rockstar saying to keep the money and make GTA4 that little bit better. Oh and add Manpuncher into it!

vincevl

Well Done Kotaku - Instead of reporting in disgust you report like its some sort of f**king bonanza.

Pathetic. This lawsuit represents everything that is wrong with the American legal system. This case wouldn't have gotten anywhere in Europe or Australia.

James

Ag wheres my reciept when i need it. Oh well 5 bucks is 5 bucks. And ill put in my GTA:IV fund =)

Ra_on_the_Moon

@BD: indeed. this is how you get your own back at those second hand games dealers.

get yourself a 2nd hand GTA at ridiculous not-worth it price, and then get your money back with as little bit on the side.

excellent.

i approve of the American dream. :p

Onizuka-GTO

People should start a group where by they claim their money, pool it together, then donate it right back to rockstar.

I'm in the UK or I'd start it up myself.

digiwalsh

Wait, so if you don't have the disc or the purchase details you can still get 5 dollars? All you have to do is say that you had the game or you rented the game or what?

Jesse in Japan

Harsh..Hot Coffee sucked balls anyway.

Woylez

@jobble: They can be, but they can also be a way for lawsuits to be brought that wouldn't otherwise be feasible if they had to be brought individually. Let's say that a large company scammed each of its 10 million customers $1. Would any one of those customers bring a lawsuit to recover $1 in damages? No. But should the company get away with illegally obtaining $10 million? No.

Not to mention that if even one-tenth of one percent of those 10 million customers brought lawsuits, that would be 10,000 lawsuits, and the court system would be even more clogged than it is.

Also, let's say the first individual plaintiff got a huge punitive damages award that bankrupted the company. All of the remaining plantiffs would be screwed.

seafisch

As much as the suit is a complete travesty, you do nobody but thieves any good by not collecting if you can.

This money has been alloted based on the sales of the game, so if you own a disc you are entitled to that amount (in the legal sense.. obviously no one is entitled to this money except Rock Star)

DO NOT TRADE IN YOUR DISC FOR IT! But if you can squeeze anything out of this without sacrificing a disc, do it. Then take that money and go buy a Rock Star game or drop it on your GTAIV preorder.

Send it right back where it belongs, in the hands of Rock Star. Dont let it sit there and be absorbed by The Blob that are US attorneys.

Korbei

Pathetic, everyone loves GTA, if they follow this shit up for $5, they are as pathetic as Jack Thompson himself. It'll do nothing but hurt Rockstar, (and the games industry as a whole).

Stand by your values as a self respecting adults and ignore this crap.

Rock*, we still love ya.

finelicker

nah, i'll pass. no way i'm getting rid of my scratchy launch-disc. love it. (not that way sickos...)

it's the only game i still play on PS2/PS3. besides black.

Akmed

why would i steal from a video game company that makes games about committing grand theft auto

subterfunk

ill keep my collector's edition GTA: san andreas

rojo

So why don't we see if someone from Kotaku can get us the name and address of an accounting person at Rock Star? Then we can all claim our money and then send checks to the contact at Rock Star who could put it back in Rock Star's coffers?

This could catch on and get Rock Star alot of their money back. It would be hilarious! :)

KnightRider

Hot Coffee...ah yes, the "Salem Witch Trials" of the gaming world.

And the part of Joseph McCarthy is played by Jack Thompson.

Spoony Bard

No, Finelicker, not everyone loves Grand Theft Auto. I grew quite weary of the game and its many clones over the past five years, and I'm glad to see Rockstar get its just deserts for the tacky exploitation in games like San Andreas. They've damaged the reputation of the "self-respecting adults" who play video games for far too long, and it's a relief to finally see them punished for it.

ManekiNeko

@ManekiNeko: Yes, you're right, they SHOULD be punished for leaving code in their game which could only be accessed by some guy looking for ways to mod his version of San Andreas. Shame on them for assuming that most gamers would be content just playing the game and not trying to delve into code!

That goes double for Bethesda, sneaking hidden boobies into Oblivion!

You tell them, man.

Spoony Bard

This sucks for them it also sucks how they had to change engines becuase EA bought out the people who made renderware so that could have been one of the causes (the other is they have issues with the PS3 stuff) for GTAIV delay as well. Renderware was actually pretty good and I was interested in it. Damn EA they screw everything up.

timeywimey