Grand Theft Auto IV received a rating that may surprise some, if they are even remotely liked to Jack Thompson.

The game was rated M(ature), meaning that the title features content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older.

There’s a clear list backing ESRB’s decision and it spells the following: Intense Violence, Blood, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Partial Nudity, Use of Drugs and Alcohol. Basically, the game hits everything needed in order to gain its M badge.

Still, we expect everyone enlisted in the anti-gaming crusade to stir up some fuss over the rating, especially since politicians discovered that blaming games is a cheap strategy that gets them the much-needed popularity (and, consequently, votes).

Grand Theft Auto IV will be launched on April 29 on both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3.