Manhunt 2 banned in the UK.

[loppyears]

Surprised no one has posted this yet:

UK: Manhunt 2 Banned, Rockstar Responds

UPDATE - The British Board of Film Classification has ruled that Rockstar will be unable to release controversial sequel Manhunt 2 in the UK on the grounds of its ultra-violent, provocative nature. Rockstar is "disappointed" with the decision.

The ruling means it will be illegal to supply the PS2 and Wii-bound title anywhere in the UK.

“Rejecting a work is a very serious action and one which we do not take lightly. Where possible we try to consider cuts or, in the case of games, modifications which remove the material which contravenes the Board’s published Guidelines,” said BBFC director David Cooke.

“In the case of Manhunt 2 this has not been possible. Manhunt 2 is distinguishable from recent high-end video games by its unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone in an overall game context which constantly encourages visceral killing with exceptionally little alleviation or distancing.

“Against this background, the Board’s carefully considered view is that to issue a certificate to Manhunt 2, on either platform, would involve a range of unjustifiable harm risks, to both adults and minors, within the terms of the Video Recordings Act, and accordingly that its availability, even if statutorily confined to adults, would be unacceptable to the public.”

Rockstar has responded to the BBFC's decision by expressing disappointment at the ban. The company suggested that ratings of media products should act as a guide enabling consumers to make up their own minds about what they wish to purchase.

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

“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 video games 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 video games 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.”

Paul Jackson, director general of ELSPA (Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association) believes that the BBFC’s decision to ban Manhunt 2 proves that the UK has an "effective" ratings system.

“A decision from the BBFC such as this demonstrates that we have a games ratings system in the UK that is effective. It shows it works and works well. Any decision the BBFC takes, it takes on the basis of its remit to rate on screen entertainment,” he said.

"The games industry is a creative phenomenon that produces all kinds of games across all kinds of genres that appeal to all kinds of people across the country, young and old, male and female. The important thing to know is that all games are rated according to age suitability, with over 70 per cent of games being available to all ages over three years," he added.

Rockstar has the right to appeal the decision under the terms of the Video Recordings Act.

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6054&Itemid=2

Ok IMO, it is kinda stupid to ban it when films like Hostel 2 is plastered all over billboards for the little kiddies to see. What sort of message is that giving out? I don't see them banning that. The more controversy the BBFC make, the more people will want to play it. The more kids will see it on the news, in a paper and scream “Mommy I want that game!!” We can still import it.
I’ve not played the first game but it got alot of attention for being the blame of a murder in the UK, which, again, brings up the whole controversy about violent video games create killers. I disagree with that, violent games create killers no more than horror films do. The guy who did it was crazy to begin with anyway.

I guess the Wii version would provide a more realistic way of playing the game, for example thrusting the Wiimote to stab someone, twist for more damage. I suppose that’s a good enough reason (they don’t mention it though) to ban it. I don't think Nintendo wanted the Wiimote to be used in this context though. I'm not gonna buy it, not my type of game but some kid will get their hands on it somehow.

Your thoughts?

 

[Raven03]

The rating system here in the states gave it an "Adult Only" rating. A rating that Sony and Nintendo refuses to distribute. So unless Rockstar makes some changes in the game they will have to scrap it.

I am curious to see if this game is as bad as the media is saying it is.

 

[Negasta]

Just another reason why I refer to England as 1984topia.

Banning always starts at the extreme end of the spectrum and slowly filters down to the rest of the media universe like poison seeping into groundwater.

 

[Spiff]

I played the first one and like it alot. Not just for the gratuitous violence (although that was fun too), but it was very creepy in a bizarre kind of way.

It enrages me to hear stories like this that make no sense. Anyone can easily watch R-rated movies that have loads of gratuitous violence and nobody raises an eyebrow. But a game? Oh my, how did junior even get his hands on an M-rated game anyway? Mom, dad, where are you? Hello? Quit making society do your job.

 

[MetaKnight]

Well Sony and Nintendo wont accept AO titles in their consoles either. So Rockstar really has no choice than editing their game... or just cancelling it.

 

[fenrill]

I really wanted this game so bad. I love the first one plus there are way violent games out there.


According to Game Daily Biz:

Breaking: Take-Two 'Temporarily Suspends' Manhunt 2

[UPDATE] We caught up with Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter who shared his thoughts on the financial implications this will have on Take-Two.

"They will probably spend $1 million or so to rework the game," he said. "They will not have revenue from the game this quarter (ending July), so they will likely miss their guidance, but will make up most of it in a future quarter when the game is released."

He added, "The overall financial impact is not that serious, provided sales don't suffer. It is hard to know whether the publicity helps or hurts, but my guess is that it hurts."


Link

 

[Pushyourluck]

It's pathetic. Why do they assume as adults we're not able to differentiate between fantasy and reality?

 

[gaz1978]

This is stupid.

Banning the game denies ADULTS the opportunity to play it, since its aimed at mature gamers anyway.

What needs to happen (but clearly doesn't) is that PARENTS should make sure their underage kids dont get their hands on this game, and RETAILERS need to stop chasing the $$$ by selling anything to anyone.

The BBFC has fucked up big time here, and this will start a bad trend. The Nanny State is here again...

 

[MetaKnight]

Yeah honestly it makes no sense. I mean how far off is the age difference between M games and AO games anyway? And yet, lil kids do have access to M games. Not that they should, but yeah...

Im not really interested in this game... yet. But I do hope it gets released. If a movie like Hostel or Saw can make it out there, I dont see why a videogame couldnt.

 

[loppyears]

I really wanted this game so bad. I love the first one plus there are way violent games out there.


According to Game Daily Biz:

Breaking: Take-Two 'Temporarily Suspends' Manhunt 2

[UPDATE] We caught up with Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter who shared his thoughts on the financial implications this will have on Take-Two.

"They will probably spend $1 million or so to rework the game," he said. "They will not have revenue from the game this quarter (ending July), so they will likely miss their guidance, but will make up most of it in a future quarter when the game is released."

He added, "The overall financial impact is not that serious, provided sales don't suffer. It is hard to know whether the publicity helps or hurts, but my guess is that it hurts."


Link

No doubt the rework will be put on sale. I don't think Rockstar could take the blow to their sales if they released it now. It would make a field day on ebay though.

 

[just_mills]

It's going to be/Is banned in America, also.