Manhunt 2 banned in the UK

PS2, Wii news by James Frazer, published on Tuesday 19th June 2007

Subject to appeal from Rockstar, Manhunt 2 has been banned in the UK after failing to qualify for a rating from BBFC. Both Wii and PS2 versions have been banned from sale in these shores after the BBFC were unable to recommend cutting or removal of content.

David Cooke, director of the BBFC, released a statement:

“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,” added Cooke.

“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.”

ELSPA Director General Peter Jackson was quick to jump on the bandwagon:

“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.

“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.”

It’s a move that will have Jack Thompson grinning from ear to ear, but the case is still subject to appeal by Rockstar, who so far haven’t commented on the issue. For the fact-loving readers out there, the last game to be banned by the BBFC was Carmageddon, way back in 1997.