The Manhunt 2 controversy just refuses to die, particularly in the UK, where the game has so far been banned from release. The game may soon be released with an 18 certificate though, as Rockstar has won its right to appeal the decision not to grant it a license.

Manhunt 2 was the first game to effectively be banned outright in the UK for over 10 years, with its only friend in that rogues gallery the decidedly awful looking (by today’s standards at least) Carmageddon.

The BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) decided back in June that the game was too violent, and the sadist elements of the killings were too much for our obviously weak British minds to cope with, so by refusing to issue a certificate, even of adults only, effectively banned the game from going on sale.

There was a loophole discovered in October which meant the game could legally be sold to gamers in the UK by download, but that didn’t exactly lead to a rush of purchases.

Rockstar Games, the makers of Manhunt obviously didn’t take this ban lying down, as not only was it unfair, it was also going to cost them a fortune in lost profits, so they took the decision to the VAC (Video Appeals Committee). Today, they have thankfully sided with the company, and allowed the game to get re accessed for a UK release.

The BBFC is said to be considering the judgement. David Cooke, director of the BBFC told the BBC:

“We recognise that rejection is a very serious step, in which the desire of publishers to market their games, and that of gamers to buy them, must be balanced against the public interest, including the full range of possible harm risks to vulnerable individuals and to any children who may be wrongly exposed to such games.”

“Such balancing judgements are inevitably complex and multi-faceted, and are made only after very careful consideration of the contents of a work. [The BBFC had played Manhunt 2 for] well over 30 hours prior to our decision”.

This latest appeal win means that the game could go on sale if the BBFC just take no further action. In a statement, Rockstar said:

“We are committed to making great interactive entertainment, while also marketing our products responsibly and supporting an effective rating system.

“We are pleased that the decision of the VAC has recognised that Manhunt 2 is well within the bounds established by other 18+ rated entertainment.”

Let’s hope common sense prevails and the BBFC take the opportunity to right the obvious wrong they made in deeming the game to sick for even adults to play it. What’s stupid is that if the game had just been issued with an 18 certificate immediately, without any fuss, no-one would have batted an eyelid.

But now, with the huge amounts of press over the issue, the game is going to be on the most wanted list of all teenagers everywhere. That’s what censorship does for you.

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Entry was posted on Monday, December 10th, 2007 at 9:21 pm under Adult content, Legal.

Read more entries by Dave Parrack.
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