Today, the Federal Trade Commission finalized their decision last month to not take action against Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive for the "Hot Coffee" ratings issue.

Early last month, the FTC announced that they were putting the company on notice that any future misrepresentation of video game ratings or content descriptors would result in a xxx fine. And that the company needed to implement a system to "ensure that all game content is reviewed in connection with submissions to ratings authorities."

While the FTC ruling was announced last month the public, and in particular politicians, had 30 days to comment on the action, or inaction as some naysayers put it, and the FTC could have changed its mind. Now that the 30 day period has passed the decision is set in stone.

Take-Two Interactive also pointed out that the consent order and agreement was unanimously approved by the commission.

Paul Eibeler, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are extremely pleased that the FTC has concluded its very thorough investigation, and that the matter has been resolved. We recognize the importance of maintaining public confidence in the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system and helping the ESRB educate parents and consumers about the rating system. We look forward to putting this behind us and focusing on what we do best - creating video games."

It's good to see that politicians weren't able to influence the decision of the FTC following their investigaiton. It even managed to withstand congressional hearings. Hit the jump for the official press release. Brian Crecente

Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO) announced today that following the 30-day period for public comment, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has unanimously approved the Consent Order and Agreement with Take-Two and its wholly-owned publishing label Rockstar Games. All outstanding matters pending before the FTC have been settled and no penalties or fines have been assessed. Among other things, the Consent Order provides that the Company shall not misrepresent a video game's ratings or content descriptors and that the Company shall implement a system to ensure that all game content is reviewed in connection with submissions to ratings authorities.

Paul Eibeler, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are extremely pleased that the FTC has concluded its very thorough investigation, and that the matter has been resolved. We recognize the importance of maintaining public confidence in the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system and helping the ESRB educate parents and consumers about the rating system. We look forward to putting this behind us and focusing on what we do best - creating video games."