Despite the refusal of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to grant Manhunt 2 a certificate for sale as a physical product in shops, a legal loophole that allows the controversial game to be legally sold to UK gamers has been spotted and confirmed.

The loophole was spotted by lawyer Phill Carnet of CMS Cameron McKenna legal firm and revealed to The Register the fact that UK’s 1984 Video Recordings Act does not cover downloaded games.

Downloaded games, he said, do not need an age-suitability classification, such as 15 or 18, because the Act, which mandates the BBFC’s certification program and forces retailers to obey the classifications, only covers physical products, The Register writes.

The report also contained information from a BBFC spokeswoman which confirms that Manhunt 2 can be sold legally to UK gamers as download.

“If Manhunt 2 publisher Take-Two Interactive chose to sell the game online as a download then that would be legal and not contravening the Video Recordings Act” spokeswoman said.

While this latest twist is good to the ears of some UK gamers, it seems not a good direction for Manhunt 2 publisher to take. One knows quiet well that selling physical product brings good publicity, better product image and higher profitable.

I wonder how you would want Manhunt 2 publisher deals with the situation like this. Put also into consideration that Manhunt 2 has already leaked.

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Entry was posted on Wednesday, October 24th, 2007 at 5:06 pm under Leaks, Legal.

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