The one-hour program looks at how sexy games got their start and how far today's developers are willing to push the envelope. "Sex In Games: A G4 Special Report" examines early triple-X efforts on the first Atari console as well as the current controversial "Hot Coffee" content in "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas."
Interview subjects include Joe Minton, lead developer of “Playboy: The Mansion”; Playboy founder Hugh Hefner; Anatole Brown, executive editor of Tips & Tricks Magazine; Brenda Brathwaite, senior designer on “Playboy: The Mansion”; Chris Charla, executive producer of Foundation 9 Entertainment; and Tom Smith, design director of “Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude.”
The program also will include a 30-minute panel discussion featuring Ed Fries, co-creator of the Xbox; Seth Schiesel, who covers technology for The New York Times; Melissa Caldwell of the Parents Television Council; and California Assemblyman Leland Yee.
Also scheduled to participate are representatives from the Interactive Entertainment Merchants Association and the Entertainment Software Ratings Board.
"The recent controversy and increasing concerns over sex in gaming has fueled debates among a wide range of opinion makers — from developers to the White House," G4 spokesman Peter M. Green said. "As an authority on the video game industry, we are in a unique position to provide an extensive and objective inside look at all sides of the topic with this new G4 investigative report."
"Sex In Games: A G4 Special Report" premieres Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 11 p.m., (EST, PST) on the G4 television network. The program will air on additional dates as well.