Archive · 22 May 2025
Hot Coffee Scandal Cost Rockstar Millions, Sparked Debate
In 2005, a hidden sexual mini-game, called "Hot Coffee," was discovered in the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas video game.
This caused a massive controversy because the game's content was not as advertised, leading to the game being re-rated and pulled from shelves.
Rockstar Games faced lawsuits, investigations, and had to re-release a censored version of the game.
The controversy cost the company millions, and led to stricter content guidelines for video games.
A hidden sexual mini-game, "Hot Coffee," was discovered in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
The discovery led to public outcry and legal backlash.
The game was re-rated Adults Only, causing retailers to pull it.
Rockstar Games faced lawsuits and investigations.
The controversy cost Take-Two Interactive an estimated $20 million.
- Who
- Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive
- What
- The discovery of the "Hot Coffee" mini-game.
- When
- 2005
- Where
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Why
- Because of the explicit content and how it was not disclosed to consumers.
Rockstar Games
Investigators/Critics
Origin of Content
Rockstar Games
Rockstar Games initially claimed the content was inserted by hackers.
Investigators/Critics
Investigators proved the code was already in the retail version.
- Game
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Controversy Name
- "Hot Coffee"
- Year of Discovery
- 2005
- Original Rating
- Mature
- Re-Rating
- Adults Only
- Estimated Cost to Take-Two
- $20 million