|
|
||
Manhunt 2 banned in UKWednesday 20 Jun 2007 Manhunt 2 has been banned by the BBFC in the UK, making it illegal to supply it anywhere in the UK. Both the PS2 and Wii versions of the game were banned with the BBFC unable to recommend cuts or modifications to remove the offending material. The last game to be banned by the BBFC was Carmageddon, banned 10 years ago in 1997 this decision was subsequently overturned on appeal. Publisher Rockstar do still have the right to appeal against this decision. Director of the BBFC, David Cooke, commented that “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.” Bleak and callousAccording to 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.” The BBFC believe that Manhunt’s sequel is more brutal than the original title which was classified 18 in 2003. “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.” Unjustifiable harm risk to adults and minors“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.” Paul Jackson, Director General of ELSPA, has supported the BBFC’s decision. “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.” Jackson went on to state that “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.” Rockstar’s reactionRockstar Games was reported as being disappointed with the BBFC’s decision to refuse classification of Manhunt 2, effectively banning sales of the game in the UK, believing adult consumers should be entitled to decide on any game’s content by themselves. A statement by the publishers read “Manhunt 2 is an entertainment experience for fans of psychological thrillers and horror. The subject matter of this game is in line with other mainstream entertainment choices for adult consumers.” “We respect those who have different opinions about the horror genre and videogames as a whole, but we hope they will also consider the opinions of the adult gamers for whom this product is intended. We believe all products should be rated to allow the public to make informed choices about the media and art they wish to consume. The stories in modern videogames are as diverse as the stories in books, film and television. The adult consumers who would play this game fully understand that it is fictional interactive entertainment and nothing more.” Watch this space. With Rockstar sure to appeal against the decision, it looks like the fun has just begun.
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
Comments
This is ridiculous. On all accounts, should this game be realeased in the United Kingdom. What ever happened to democracy? Surely, an individual has the right to decide whether or not this game is too offensive. Why should the BBFC decide this for us? We
Totally agree with you Wendell. Not played it however the 18 certificate means anyone under 18 (in theory) cannot obtain a copy anyway.
Manhunt the first game was for sure the shizzle especially the cheese wire...If they keep the ban on manhunt 2 and by the power of freedom of speech i will certainly protest and maybe take along some cheese wire
The UK is very quickly becoming a nanny state, and since 9/11 and the July attacks in London, more and more draconian laws have gone straight through without public opinion and input.
Basically why the hell do we even have a government? may as well go
First, our apologies for the comments being cut off - this has been rectified for future comments. Second, perhaps it's time for reverse migration out of first world countries to places like South Africa which are comparatively free ;). (I kid, actually we don't currently know the status of the game in SA, it could still be banned here too).
ash couldnt be more correct
either way the same thing happened when news hit over manhunt 1 being banned, EVERYONE wanted a copy
thats all i really have to say, everyone else has been 100% correct! haha!
if its an 18 game and an underage child has it, the parents should be held responsible
if social services found a load of 18 rated softcore or edited porn in a kids dvd rack they would be asking the parents some serius questions!
its not just kids who play games!
This is so stupid, and i've already pre-ordered my copy for wii from amazon. does that mean I wont actually get it?
Send an email of complaint to contact_the_bbfc@bbfc.co.uk
Swamp them with complaints about this decision.
I've got to concur with the BBFC. Whilst I know I could handle the game, there's arguably a fringe minority who whose 'sensitivity' to the material would present "unjustifiable harm risk to adults and minors", in the Board's words. Sure, we're being nannied - I'd say there are times where we need to be.
While I disagree with the banning of games/films/etc. in general and advocate stricter laws regarding age restrictions, I find myself wondering why a game such as Manhunt exists. Why do we find pleasure in the brutal murder of others?
This will simply result in the US copy being heavily imported. I honestly can't remember when the publicity from a high profile censorship case in any medium didn't result in much, much higher sales. Jack Thompson has sold more copies of GTA than an advertisement ever could.
When you tell adults that they're not capable of handling a particular creative product, it immediately peaks their interest. Consider everything else in the world adults are allowed to do. But this game, this is just too much.
It practically sells itself.
This issue is disappointing for me to follow as a British subject. Our nation appears to have become desensitized to violence, sadism and disrespect. The real tragedy here is that organizations need to exist to help us maintain our morality which as a nation we appear to have abandoned. There should be a general public outcry that games of this type are produced at all. What kind of society engages in computer games that recreate "casual sadism" for entertainment? I'm saddened that the answer appears to be 21st Century Britain.
Well said Gareth.
We are naturally violent as human beings. Rock Star are targetting this. It's fine, as long as nobody goes out and performs what he sees in the game. Even if people take the game too seriously and do go out and play with peoples' viscera, the law is in place to protect us, and it is still up to the individual whether or not he wants to commit murder - he just has to face the consequences. The type of person who would play the game, and then go out and murder someone would most probably have eventually committed murder anyways. There's no stopping such people, so the game is hardly making a difference in terms of influencing us.
In my opinion, this game should be released, as it is up to the individual whether or not he considers the game to be too violent. It's brilliant, in my view, that a game like this can even be released anywhere in the world in this day and age. I say the same for the film 'borat'.
I find it hard to believe that it has been banned, as the cartoon-style killings are in no way convincing to look at, and are completely over-the-top. To me, this seems LESS graphic and shocking than many films I've seen (Saw, Hills Have Eyes) and seems more comparable to things like Tom and Jerry. Oh yes, wasn't that banned in some countries because it promoted violence? Come on UK, This is ridiculous!
Comment on this...
|
LATEST HEADLINES
|
