SA police criticise Adelaide-based video game P Platers, inspired by Grand Theft Auto

A VIDEO game portraying the streets of Adelaide has drawn criticism from police, who say any representation of stations or officers could be breaking the law.

A screenshot from underdevelopment game P Platers, based on Adelaide.

• Game developers say SA could lead billion-dollar industry
• Students create video game for Adelaide Fringe
• Video games: Boys more likely to suffer behaviour problems

A VIDEO game portraying the streets of Adelaide has drawn criticism from police, who say any representation of stations or officers could be breaking the law.

But the young designer has said the game had been “misrepresented”.

The game, called P Platers, is in the development stage. The open-world game give players to freedom to do what they want, which could include violence and is based on the hugely successful Grand Theft Auto series.

On Monday, Assistant Commissioner Paul Dickson criticised games that depict SA police.

“The nature of the police action is extremely disappointing as it undermines the exceptional work SAPOL maintains in protecting the community from harm in a highly professional manner using minimal violence — not as depicted in these modified games,” Mr Dickson said.

Screenshot of The P Platers, a Grand Theft Auto-like game set in the streets of Adelaide.

The game uses streets that resemble Adelaide’s.

The game’s developer told The Advertiser he had not meant to offend and he was working to modify the content.

“We’re acting to overhaul the game to appease some of the understandable concerns mentioned,” he said.

“I just wanted to show the world how awesome I think Adelaide is.”

Despite criticism of the game’s design, the amateur programmer said he and his fellow enthusiasts were following copyright law.

“Unlike the GTA Australia mods, we intended to make visual differentiation,” he said.

Bank SA? Centrelink? Screenshots from the underdevelopment game based on Adelaide, The P Platers.

That bus looks familiar ...

“No one mentioned that all in-game vehicles comply with copyright law and show no damage.

“The vehicle in question was removed and we’ll have to rethink or overhaul this aspect of our game.”

The game designer has been busy removing images of police cars and aspects of the game that have come under fire.

“Two days ago, the second I found out it was an issue, I removed any screenshots and in-game content that might be offensive,” he said.

“I meant no disrespect to the law; merely excising my right to creative expression.”

Police Minister Peter Malinauskas weighed into the debate on Monday, saying Adelaide residents did not need violent video games adding to their safety concerns.

“South Australians are legitimately alarmed by the some of the incidents they see happening overseas and we don’t want anyone’s fears of concerns to be heightened in any way,” Mr Malinauskas said.

Originally published as SA police criticise Adelaide-based video game P Platers, inspired by Grand Theft Auto