Manhunt 2 un-banned in UK
Appeals Committee gives game okay
Rockstar have already seen Manhunt 2 denied release in the United Kingdom twice by sensors the BBFC, even a moderated version of the controversial kill 'em up having proved too brutal for the ratings board, which refused to even apply an '18' rating, effectively banning the title from release.
Rockstar refused to be dissuaded, however, and now Manhunt 2 looks likely to finally reach shelves, the Video Appeals Committee over-turning the BBFC decision. Apparently, the BBFC's ban was defeated four votes to three. Not that the game is out of the woods yet, the sensor commenting: "The BBFC will carefully study the judgement by the Video Appeals Committee when it becomes available," according to BBFC director David Cooke.
The BBFC apparently made the decision to ban the game after some 30 hours of play.
"There are few options open to us - we can go to the High Court to appeal the decision - but we'll be making a further statement when we've seen the full report," added the BBFC's Sue Clark.
"The BBFC twice rejected Manhunt 2 for its focus on varied and cumulative killings. 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 individual 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," Cooke added, confirming that the board remain concerned by the potential message of the game, and the widespread offense it may cause.
"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," beamed an understandably pleased Rockstar rep.
More on this as we get it.
