Manhunt 2, the upcoming sequel up to a title that has already received more than its fair share of controversy, may see its release in the UK snuffed out altogether, thanks to the country's visual entertainment censors' (BBFC) refusal to give the title a legal rating.

The British Board of Film Classification's announced recently that it would refuse Manhunt a a rating on the grounds that "to issue a certificate [to Manhunt 2] would involve a range of unjustifiable risks, to both adults and minors".

Rockstar Games, renowned Grand Theft Auto and Manhunt developers, have openly expressed their dissatisfaction in a rather open message, for the British Board of Film Classification's decision to refuse the game a rating

"We are disappointed with the recent decision by the British Board of Film Classification to refuse classification of Manhunt 2," reads the company's public statement, "While we respect the authority of the classification board and will abide by the rules, we emphatically disagree with this particular decision"

"Manhunt 2 is an entertainment experience for fans of psychological thrillers and horror. The subject matter of this game is in line with other mainstream entertainment choices for adult consumers."

"We respect those who have different opinions about the horror genre and videogames as a whole, but we hope they will also consider the opinions of the adult gamers for whom this product is intended."

"We believe all products should be rated to allow the public to make informed choices about the media and art they wish to consume."

"The stories in modern videogames are as diverse as the stories in books, film and television. The adult consumers who would play this game fully understand that it is fictional interactive entertainment and nothing more."

It would be difficult to argue with Rockstar's sentiments on the issue, regardless of personal opinion on the kind of "shock" entertainment that Rockstar has made a reputation out of, and it seems that the huge controversy surrounding the original Manhunt in the UK - which saw the title associated with a yoth killing by English newspaper The Daily Mail and eventually taken off shelves by retailers for fear of a negative backlash - may be partially responsible for the BBFC's impromptu decision to not rate the PS2 and Wii bound sequel.

Whether Manhunt 2 will still see a release on UK shores or not is, but we'll be sure to keep you updated as soon we recieve some official word on the subject.

Tags : BBFC : British Board of Film Classification : Grand Theft Auto : manhunt : manhunt 2 : playstation 2 : rockstar : rockstar games : take two : Wii

Comments

By: Ulx

On: 01:21 Jun 20th, 2007
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I think it's definitely due to the media bias against video games that this may not make it into UK stores. Games are frequently, and unjustifiably, linked to youth murders by media in what I see to be nothing more than an unashamed attempt to squeeze controversy and profits out of tragedy. The prequel has been linked to a murder, and I think that's definitely the primary reason why Manhunt 2 may not be released in the UK. If it were a book, or film, I doubt there would be this kind of trouble.

By: Corrine

On: 01:23 Jun 20th, 2007
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Ulx;22621

If it were a book, or film, I doubt there would be this kind of trouble.

It would have absolutely none of this if it were a book or a film. How many violent films are out? And have been for years? Eventually, video games might just become more common place; it hasn't been that long since realistic representations of violence have been available.

By: ApplesauceNinja

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On: 08:01 Jun 20th, 2007
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Considering that the UK, much like America, is losing its liberties and freedoms
at a pretty quick rate, this comes as no surprise to me. Considering that Tony
Blair pretty much openly called for governmental regulation and oversight of the
internet (mostly as a response to independent media, which he refers to as
"feral") this decision should shock nobody.

Oh, and to my friends in the England, watch your asses. Blair is about to sign over English sovereignty to the EU, despite the overwhelming opposition to it by the citizenry. (and, Blair is being considered for EU presidency after his term as Prime Minister is at an end. Hmmmm....coincidence? And, the funny thing is, he's doing it under the guise of "furthering human rights laws.") Blair is indicative of the form of draconian government that is poisoning your nation and mine,
so to see such nanny state bullshit going on with this game is typical.
The elites honestly believe they should have a right to decide what is and
is not acceptable for us stupid sheep, I suppose.

By: Mobius Zero

On: 08:17 Jun 20th, 2007
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This might be looked at in a good way, the last Manhunt game got mixed reviews or so I remember and if this one is bad, you're not missing anything then. Despite all this coverage I barely heard anything about this game in general, I guess it snuck under the radar scope sorta speak. I figured Rockstar was too busy with GTA4.

By: deanogee

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