FTC officially ends investigation into 'Hot Coffee' scandal

The Federal Trade Commission has officially ended its investigation into the sexually explicit 'Hot Coffee' mini-game hidden within Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Last month, the FTC agreed to implement a new system to ensure that publisher Take-Two reveals all game content to the ratings board in future. Although the company was not fined on this occasion, future violations of the agreement could cost the company up to US$11,000 per incident.

The FTC ruling was followed by a 30-day period during which politicians and members of the public had the right to contest the decision. Now that the period has expired, the FTC has unanimously approved the agreement with Take-Two, which means there are no longer any issues outstanding and the publisher will definitely not face any fines.

Take-Two CEO Paul Eibeler said the company is "extremely pleased" that the investigation has been concluded, adding: "We recognise the importance of maintaining public confidence in the Entertainment Software Rating Board rating system and helping the ESRB educate parents and consumers.

"We look forward to putting this behind us and focusing on what we do best - creating video games."