Tamed Manhunt 2 still too violent for UK release - updated! Rockstar responds
The possible release of Manhunt 2 on the Nintendo Wii in the UK took another blow today, with the British Board of Film Classification announcing that it has rejected a revised version of Rockstar Games’ violent title, following its damning of the original build back in June this year.
Rockstar needs to take another look at Manhunt 2 states BBFC
David Cooke, Director of the BBFC said:
“We recognise that the distributor has made changes to the game, but we do not consider that these go far enough to address our concerns about the original version. The impact of the revisions on the bleakness and callousness of tone, or the essential nature of the gameplay, is clearly insufficient. There has been a reduction in the visual detail in some of the ‘execution kills’, but in others they retain their original visceral and casually sadistic nature.
“We did make suggestions for further changes to the game, but the distributor has chosen not to make them, and as a result we have rejected the game on both platforms. The decision on whether or not an appeal goes ahead lies with the distributor.”
Not good news at all, then. North Americans, of course, will see the release of a toned down Manhunt 2 on October 31 (this after the original was slapped with an Adults Only label, making it something Nintendo would not allow to see the light of day on its consoles). Meanwhile, Dutch gamers, it was previously announced, will receive an uncut version.
UPDATE: Rockstar has responded to today’s decision by the BBFC:
“We are continuing to appeal the British Board of Film Classification’s (BBFC) decision to deny the edited version of “Manhunt 2″ an 18+ certificate and thereby ban its release in the United Kingdom. The changes necessary in order to publish the game in Britain are unacceptable to us and represent a setback for video games. The BBFC allows adults the freedom to decide for themselves when it comes to horror in movies and we think adults should be similarly allowed to decide for themselves when it comes to horror in video games, such as Manhunt 2.” - Rockstar
END
What are your thoughts on the decision? Are the BBFC justified in their decision or should Manhunt 2 be allowed to be released in its unedited form?
Looks like a visit to denmark might be in order
dont you mean Holland?
Rockstar are right and the BBFC is wrong. End of.
Double standards, one rule for the film industry and another for the gaming industry.
Christ, I can go in to a shop and buy a book like American Psycho (which really glorifys the murders in it with no morale reprehensions for the protaganist), I can get it in film format no problem but I can’t buy a fucking game when I am older than 18 that depicts violence. Bullshit.