With having put forward their case against the ban of Manhunt 2 at an appeals hearing in London today, the have also addressed the matter, promising that the Video Appeals Committee will reach a decision on whether overturn and certify the controversial game as quickly as possible.

Speaking for the BBFC, Andrew Caldecott conceded that there was no proven link between violent games and incidents of crime, although he did advocate further research into the matter. "In a Utopian society, you would have effective measures where the over-18s could play what was suitable for them without being cluttered by the fact minors will see them. But you can't make classification decisions without regard to the social prevalence," the representative was quick to affirm.

"Film is a different medium; it is simply is a different experience. There are ways in which it is perhaps more involving, because you are dealing with absolute reality, with real people, in film," Caldecott added in response to Rockstar's comparisons with violent films such as Hostel and Saw.

"On the other hand, many people watch horror films to some extent from the point of view of the victim, or the point of view of what's going to happen - not with this very distinctive point of view of being the person who's wielding the weapon, and is rewarded for killing in the bloodiest way possible."

Caldecott also stated his fear that games are still more likely to be played by minors, than a violent film is to be watched by them, such is the nature of the medium.

The brutal nature of the game was simply too much for the BBFC, it would seem, Caldecott stating: "It's a frequent theme of level one, which is the only one I've actually played right through. Even when you're not killing someone yourself, you're passing someone who's getting a good beating or having an unpleasant time."

Finally, Caldecott promised a decision on certification would be offered soon in the light of the appeal.

We'll bring you more on this as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge