Manhunt 2 title wins ban appeal

[TM™]

The game has twice been rejected by the BBFC for certification, effectively banning the game for sale in the UK.

Developers Rockstar contested the ban at the Video Appeals Committee, which ruled in the firm's favour.

The game could now go on sale, if the BBFC, which is "considering the judgement", takes no further action.

In a statement, Rockstar said: "We are committed to making great interactive entertainment, while also marketing our products responsibly and supporting an effective rating system.

"We are pleased that the decision of the VAC has recognised that Manhunt 2 is well within the bounds established by other 18+ rated entertainment."

David Cooke, director of the BBFC, said the body "exercised great vigilance and care in ensuring that all violent games which are submitted to us are correctly classified".

He said the body had twice rejected the game "for its focus on varied and cumulative killings".

He added: "We recognse that rejection is a very serious step, in which the desire of publishers to market their games, and that of gamers to buy them, must be balanced against the public interest, including the full range of possible harm risks to vulnerable individuals and to any children who may be wrongly exposed to such games.

"Such balancing judgements are inevitably complex and multi-faceted, and are made only after very careful consideration of the contents of a work."

He said the BBFC had played Manhunt 2 for "well over 30 hours prior to our decision".

Finally, we can play the game in the UK... That can only be good.

Link: BBC Website

[Alkali64]

Hell Yesh!

Finally, ive been waiting for this game along time.

[Urbanoutlaw]

Good on you guys, about time.

Interesting they played for "well over 30 hours" before making their decision.

So how many hours do these guys in your government watch porn before they decide it should be banned?

[Dazza]

Following this weeks news that the Video Appeals Committee (VAC) had the BBFC reconsider Manhunt 2, the BBFC warned just yesterday that it may take legal action against the game, thus Rockstar, to prevent it's sale in the UK.

"We need to see the judgment papers from the VAC case before we even consider giving Manhunt 2 a rating," said BBFC spokesperson, Sue Clark.

"If we spot anything problematic, we may decide to take our case to the High Court as a judicial review, which would lead to Manhunt 2’s release being frozen in the UK.

"Our main concern is to ensure a lawful outcome. It needs to be the right decision within the UK’s legal framework – which will be the right decision in the public interest."

It appears the BBFC arn't going to let this down without a fight, and I foresee a huge of a fight ahead of them. It is in there rights to go to the High Court, however you have to ask when is enough, enough? It's obvious they are the only organisation who have a problem with Manhunt 2. The VAC proved that, and the problem I have with all this is the money Rockstar Games would be spending to try and get this terrific game released in the UK while the BBFC is making it more expensive by the day. Looks like the UK will be waiting a bit longer then first thought.

Source: RockstarWatch

Sorry guys, might not happen.

[WRX22B1998]

Well this and Soldier of Fortune are banned presumably in Australia. Went to the shops on Friday and my mate asked them if they had it. They said it was 'discontinued'..so yeah..

yet another reason for custom firmware XD