06-20-2007, 02:49 PM
The upcoming violent, bloody, gory game Manhunt 2 by Rockstar games looks like it will never see the light of day down in Australia after the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) refused the game saying that it represented "unjustifiable harm risks" to minors and adults alike. Also, now even in America this game may not receive some very good sales as it received an AO (Adults Only) rating.
In a recent prepared statement about the Manhunt 2 decision from BBFC's Director David Cooke says the following:
"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.
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. There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game.
Although the difference should not be exaggerated the fact of the game's unrelenting focus on stalking and brutal slaying and the sheer lack of alternative pleasures on offer to the gamer, together with the different overall narrative context, contribute towards differentiating this submission from the original Manhunt game. That work was classified 18 in 2003, before the BBFC's recent games research had been undertaken, but was already at the very top end of what the Board judged to be acceptable at that category.
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 the right to appeal to the BBFC's decision and the American ERSB rating if they wish. Chances are nothing would come of it. As I agree with what the Mr. Cooke has to say, the game is a very violent killer game which isn’t suitable for minors. The question is, is it bad enough to be removed from shelves? This I don’t know, but I’m not the one calling the shots. More on this story when news becomes available, as Manhunt 2 for PS2 and Wii has yet to be submitted for Australian classification. So whether or not it will see Australian shores is still up in the air.
In a recent prepared statement about the Manhunt 2 decision from BBFC's Director David Cooke says the following:
"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.
Although the difference should not be exaggerated the fact of the game's unrelenting focus on stalking and brutal slaying and the sheer lack of alternative pleasures on offer to the gamer, together with the different overall narrative context, contribute towards differentiating this submission from the original Manhunt game. That work was classified 18 in 2003, before the BBFC's recent games research had been undertaken, but was already at the very top end of what the Board judged to be acceptable at that category.
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 the right to appeal to the BBFC's decision and the American ERSB rating if they wish. Chances are nothing would come of it. As I agree with what the Mr. Cooke has to say, the game is a very violent killer game which isn’t suitable for minors. The question is, is it bad enough to be removed from shelves? This I don’t know, but I’m not the one calling the shots. More on this story when news becomes available, as Manhunt 2 for PS2 and Wii has yet to be submitted for Australian classification. So whether or not it will see Australian shores is still up in the air.
Reporter: Alex51011
Editor: D4rkDrago0n
Editor: D4rkDrago0n
Screen Play - Manhunt 2 too violent?
ManHunt 2 Official Website
