A new petition set up on the 10 Downing Street website, protesting against the BBFC's decision to effectively ban Manhunt 2, has now collected nearly 1,300 signatures - as British citizens look to voice their displeasure against the recent ban.

The petition will end on August 26th, and states: "We the undersigned petiiton the British Prime Minister to restrict the powers of the with regard to the banning of video games."

The petition goes on: "The BBFC have recently refused to rate the videogame Manhunt 2. As such, adults in this country will never be allowed to play this game. Adults should be allowed to make their own decisions with regard to what videogames they want to play. We all understand that this game is extremely violent and unsuitable for children. As such an 18 rating should have been applied."

The Manhunt 2 'banning' is only the second time the BBFC have refused to certify a game, the first being Carmageddon which was subsequently modified (people became 'zombies') to achieve release. In the United States, Manhunt 2 earned an Adults Only rating, effectively preventing the title from reaching shelves as and do not allow AO titles to be released on their consoles.

Publisher are now considering their options.

By Luke Guttridge