April 21st, 2008 - Karori, New Zealand

This is the stuff I enjoy reading and writing about.

A 17-year-old kid named Stacy O’Callhaghan has taken it upon himself to create a NZ mod for the PS2 Classic GTA: San Andreas. Including landmarks, streets and so forth. He is even going so far as to replicate the local police forces cars and uniforms.

I have to admit. That is pretty damn cool. I mean, who wouldn’t want to take the GTA engine and apply it to their hometowns? I certainly would.

But alas it is not all fun and games for young O’Callhaghan. Spokesman for the Police national headquarters Jon Neilson has called into question the legal aspects of using the police insignia as it would come likely come under harm during the course of the game. Section 51A of the Police Act calls the misuse of the insignia - in real life mind you - as an offense. Although no one is quite sure how this applies to use in electronic entertainment.

“I am not doing this in any way to make money or sell this modification; it was originally for me because I got sick of all this American rubbish and wanted it to be more realistic.” Says O’Callhaghan. “It’s really just for fun and a chance to play it as if it was in New Zealand.”

However no grudges are being held by the teen. In fact, instead of having aspirations of becoming a programmer, O’Callhaghan wishes to one day join the police force. “I’d like to join the police. I don’t really see myself as a game designer, I want to get into computer forensics.”

I for one would love the chance to play the NZ mod. How about you?

Later.