Rockstar's recent TV advert for its controversial Grand Theft Auto IV game on the Xbox 360 has been let off the hook by the Advertising Standards Authority.

The ad depicted several scenes of cars exploding and people firing guns.

The ASA received 17 complaints from viewers who said that the ad was offensive and harmful, especially to children because it condoned violence and criminal behaviour.

Some also said that the ad was scheduled inappropriately and could be seen by children.

Rockstar responded by saying that the ad was no more violent than might be expected in an ad for an action film.

The developer also maintained that the content was clearly fictional and that it contained nothing that could cause serious offence.

Clearcast, the company responsible for the pre-transmission examination and clearance of television ads, backed Rockstar's argument, saying that viewers would not have complained if the ad had been for a film.

The ASA acknowledged that some viewers might object to the themes of the actual game itself, but concluded that the ad was unlikely to cause serious or widespread offence by condoning violence and criminal behaviour.

Furthermore, the ASA agreed with Clearcast's decision that the ad had been appropriately scheduled and that the post 7:30pm restriction was sufficient.