Game banned from British shelves.

[Manwell Pablo]

Rockstar Games' Manhunt 2 has achieved the dubious honour of being only one of two games to be banned in the UK. The highly anticipated upcoming title, which casts gamers in the role of doctor Daniel Lam--who offers himself as a guinea pig for a neurological weapons project--was due to go on sale in the country on the Wii, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation 2 on July 13. However, both the PS2 and Wii versions have been refused a rating by the British Board of Film Classification, meaning they cannot be legally sold in the UK. The PSP version has not yet been submitted to the BBFC for a rating.

Manhunt 2

The reasoning behind the decision is that, according to BBFC director David Cooke, "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."

Cooke says that the decision is not one that the board has taken lightly, and that where possible, it considers cuts or modifications to the game to remove offensive material. However, in the case of Manhunt 2 "this has not been possible."

The first game in the series, Manhunt, was given an 18 rating by the BBFC when it was released back in 2003. However, Cooke stated that, "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." He added that the first title was already "at the very top end" of what it considered acceptable for an 18 certificate, and that it came before the results of recent BBFC research were released.

The game has been refused a certificate on both the Wii and PlayStation 2 platforms, as to release it would "involve a range of unjustifiable harm risks, to both adults and minors." The board adds that even if the game was confined to an adult release, it would "still be unacceptable to the public."

The game is the first to be refused a classification since Carmageddon in 1997. The car combat game developed by SCi and published by Interplay allowed racers to destroy opponents and murder pedestrians. However, the decision to refuse classification of Carmageddon was overturned on appeal by the Video Appeals Committee.

UK games industry body ELSPA released a statement from director Paul Jackson, which said, "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 onscreen entertainment."

The BBFC statement concluded that the game's distributors would also have the right to appeal the decision. Rockstar Games had not returned calls to comment as of press time.

[uPDATE] The Irish Film Censor's Office has also announced that the game has been banned in the Republic of Ireland. In a statement, the board gave its reasoning as follows, "IFCO recognizes that in certain films, DVDs and video games, strong graphic violence may be a justifiable element within the overall context of the work. However, in the case of Manhunt 2, IFCO believes that there is no such context, and the level of gross, unrelenting and gratuitous violence is unacceptable."

So over the top censorship or a step in the right direction?

[potter3]

So over the top censorship or a step in the right direction?

Over the top, I could explain my opinion but I'm going sleep

[Libertine]

Yet GTA games will still be released.

[Raj]

I know this is based on the effect it will have on children but surely if you play, for example a war type shoot em up and feel the urge to go and really shoot some people up,then you are not 'right in the head'

Too many things nowadays are blamed on other people,its upto the parents to keep an eye on what sort of things their children get upto,although i appreciate parents can't be present 24/7 but im sure if a kid is going to go around shooting people there will be some sort of tell tale signs before hand.

Im sure 99% of people who play these games can seperate reality from gameplay,its just that 1% maybe who need the catalyst or excuse to do something terrible

[Finnegan]

I'm not one for censorship, but a step in the right direction IMO. Why would anyone WANT to play that computer? I just don't understand the appeal in acting out something so disgustingly brutal. I fully understand and accept the argument that 90% of people should be able to distance themselves from fiction and accept that this is a game and not reality, but I'd have to question the psyche of anyone who can sit through and enjoy a game even sicker than Manhunt 1.

IMO, Rockstar games almost seem to set out to be controversial merely for the sakes of publicity.

[AoWW]

I'm not one for censorship, but a step in the right direction IMO. Why would anyone WANT to play that computer? I just don't understand the appeal in acting out something so disgustingly brutal. I fully understand and accept the argument that 90% of people should be able to distance themselves from fiction and accept that this is a game and not reality, but I'd have to question the psyche of anyone who can sit through and enjoy a game even sicker than Manhunt 1.

IMO, Rockstar games almost seem to set out to be controversial merely for the sakes of publicity.

Agree - 100%. Couldn't have put it better myself so won't even try to.

[DanTheFoxBhoy]

Pfft, who cares. Just means you're forced to get a pirate copy which you don't have to pay for.

[Rincewind]

I have never liked that sort of game anyway so would never buy one. It may be true that not everyone feels the urge to 'copycat' violent games but if in the right (or wrong) circumstances it could trigger a near unbalanced mind. Kids have always acted out games that involved imitating their heroes or ant-heroe cowboy and indians to war games goodies and baddies etc. But in todays society a child can be on his own for most of the day playing these games. He/she will be influenced by what happens on the screen if there are no other guidelines in place. With news coverage on any event in the world instantly available on our TV screens it may be difficult for a very young child to distinguish fact from fiction. Some may see violence as a solution to their worries.

Deviating slightly from the subject. Panarama the other night was about an experiment where a group of seven and eight year olds had their TV PS and video ganes removed for a fortnight. In that period it showed the family playing games together and talking. Their schoolwork improved and more than one of them was more attentive in class. Whether this would work in all families I dont know but I am of the generation who remembers the time before PC games and our family playing board games or cards. We still do when we have family get togethers and even the younger members join in.

OMG I spend too much time on here didn't realise I wrote so much. Sorry.

[Daggers]

I was attacked by a goat once.

[Sly]

I'm not one for censorship, but a step in the right direction IMO. Why would anyone WANT to play that computer? I just don't understand the appeal in acting out something so disgustingly brutal. I fully understand and accept the argument that 90% of people should be able to distance themselves from fiction and accept that this is a game and not reality, but I'd have to question the psyche of anyone who can sit through and enjoy a game even sicker than Manhunt 1.

IMO, Rockstar games almost seem to set out to be controversial merely for the sakes of publicity.

I agree

I had the first one and I couldn't get into that.

[Lord Nibblington]

I was attacked by a goat once.

What kind of goat?

And what underwear were you wearing at the time?

[Phube]

And yet I'm off to see Hostel: Part II next week!!???

I don't see the difference!!

Banning a child friendly Wii game... shocking!!!

[Ric Flair]

Damn, I really want to buy this and then go out and hack someone up after playing it.

[Manwell Pablo]

I have never liked that sort of game anyway so would never buy one. It may be true that not everyone feels the urge to 'copycat' violent games but if in the right (or wrong) circumstances it could trigger a near unbalanced mind. Kids have always acted out games that involved imitating their heroes or ant-heroe cowboy and indians to war games goodies and baddies etc. But in todays society a child can be on his own for most of the day playing these games. He/she will be influenced by what happens on the screen if there are no other guidelines in place. With news coverage on any event in the world instantly available on our TV screens it may be difficult for a very young child to distinguish fact from fiction. Some may see violence as a solution to their worries.

Deviating slightly from the subject. Panarama the other night was about an experiment where a group of seven and eight year olds had their TV PS and video ganes removed for a fortnight. In that period it showed the family playing games together and talking. Their schoolwork improved and more than one of them was more attentive in class. Whether this would work in all families I dont know but I am of the generation who remembers the time before PC games and our family playing board games or cards. We still do when we have family get togethers and even the younger members join in.

OMG I spend too much time on here didn't realise I wrote so much. Sorry.

That whole arguement is null and void seeing as the game would be given a 18 cert. Which means if kids are playing it, its the parents fault not the developers. Esp if we're talking 7/8 year olds

Oh and I should of said last night, a 14 year old lad (I think he may of been from Leics actually) axed his mate in the head after playing the first game. Which IMO is probabley why this has been refused a cert.

[Phube]

That whole arguement is null and void seeing as the game would be given a 18 cert. Which means if kids are playing it, its the parents fault not the developers. Esp if we're talking 7/8 year olds

Oh and I should of said last night, a 14 year old lad (I think he may of been from Leics actually) axed his mate in the head after playing the first game. Which IMO is probabley why this has been refused a cert.

Actually with a hammer. The victim's Mum work at Glenfield. Although proof to the contary has been found that he never played the game, it was actually the victim that owned and played it. Plus the murderer was only 17!!!

[Manwell Pablo]

Actually with a hammer. The victim's Mum work at Glenfield. Although proof to the contary has been found that he never played the game, it was actually the victim that owned and played it. Plus the murderer was only 17!!!

There we go, Phube knows the story.

[Daggers]

I play GTA.

I steal cars and smack my bitch up.

There is no link.

[Manwell Pablo]

I play GTA.

I steal cars and smack my bitch up.

There is no link.

I play Pro Evo, since doing so, I have occasionally been know to go "outside" and play football.

I think the BBFC are on to something.

[Daggers]

I play Pro Evo, since doing so, I have occasionally been know to go "outside" and play football.

I think the BBFC are on to something.

That must explain Phube's predilection for jumping on mushrooms...by Jove, I think you've cracked it

[Phube]

That must explain Phube's predilection for jumping on mushrooms...by Jove, I think you've cracked it

Yeah, and don't let me near the turtle enclosure at the zoo... carnage!!!

[Rincewind]

That must explain Phube's predilection for jumping on mushrooms...by Jove, I think you've cracked it

I think there is a differance. You play Pro Evo because you like football and even go to watch City play. That might mean you're a fool at times but not mad. No-one is hurt with football games unless one simulates a hotel room on a pre-season tour. I've played GTA and never felt the urge to copycat after. Under age kids do play the 18+ games. I would guess that they also play the games with their fathers because it is 'macho' A lot of parents give in and buy the games for a bit of peace and quiet. If the childs in their room they are not under their feet.. The mind is a complex thing and very few know what triggers the phsyco tendancies. In more cases than not a child who has grown up in a family unit where he is abused or bullied will do the same when older because they know of no other way. Of course this does not mean every child who is bullied will turn out a bully because the school and working enviroment could influance their outlook on life.

Maybe it is an over-reaction banning the game but no-one can deny the games are getting more realistic. Whats next, a holographic shoot-em-up?

[hairy]

I think they are concerned even more so about the interactive controllers of the Wii and this game.

Never liked this sort of game and am glad to see it banned. Too many parents dont realise what game they are buying for their kids. GTA is a good example of a game the kids want and the parents buy but have no idea what the content is. I know its a step further toward a nanny state but the line has to be drawn somewhere.

I think the biggest problem will be that now they have banned it that it will become cult and the most wanted game by kids a bit like relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. I dont think banning that ever stopped people having sex.

[Rincewind]

It's not just these games that can turn people into homcidal maniacs. Anyone see that film with Michael Douglas. Forget the the title at the moment. Anyway he had a bad day. His wife left him, he was sacked from his job then stuck in a traffic jam on one of the hottest days of the year. He abandons his car to walk home and meets various people who annoy him. A shopkeeper who charges a ridiculous price for a coke, a gang who try to mug him armed with an assortment of weapons. He leaves a trail of battered people behind him before the final confrontation with a pursuing copper who he tries to shoot with a water pistol. The real gun won. This was a happy normal family guy so it could happen to anyone in accumilated circumstances.

[Gené and Tonic]

Now I really want to buy this because it's been banned and I want to know what all the fuss is about

(not really but you can see that happening)

[Manwell Pablo]

I think there is a differance. You play Pro Evo because you like football and even go to watch City play. That might mean you're a fool at times but not mad. No-one is hurt with football games unless one simulates a hotel room on a pre-season tour. I've played GTA and never felt the urge to copycat after. Under age kids do play the 18+ games. I would guess that they also play the games with their fathers because it is 'macho' A lot of parents give in and buy the games for a bit of peace and quiet. If the childs in their room they are not under their feet.. The mind is a complex thing and very few know what triggers the phsyco tendancies. In more cases than not a child who has grown up in a family unit where he is abused or bullied will do the same when older because they know of no other way. Of course this does not mean every child who is bullied will turn out a bully because the school and working enviroment could influance their outlook on life.

Maybe it is an over-reaction banning the game but no-one can deny the games are getting more realistic. Whats next, a holographic shoot-em-up?

As I say, if children play these games then it has nothing to do with the developer is the parents who should face the consequences is against the law. Children should have nothing to do with the debate they aren't legally allowed to play the game. It's just bad parenting if they're allowed to play these games, I bet the same parents wouldn't sit their child down in front of a hard core porn film, it's no different.