Manhunt 2 UK Ban Gets Appeal
Take-Two's got some truly awesome legal ovaries, and last week they achieved the seemingly-impossible: helping Manhunt 2 move toward a retail release in the UK. Arguing that Manhunt 2 was being singled out unfairly amidst other similarly violent games rated 18, Take-Two won an appeal from the Video Appeals Committee in a 4-3 ruling.
The British Board of Film Classification rates both films and games, which is why the case is so important to the games industry - here, we've got the ESRB and the MPAA, one of which is respected and one of which is regarded as ineffectual. Dealing with one body that makes the call for both media (even though it still holds a clear double-standard) empowers the game industry to potentially set precedents and levy arguments at those who can't pass the buck. That's one reason why this case is relevant above and beyond the questionable play value of Manhunt 2, which has received lukewarm reviews.
The BBFC, which has twice before refused to rate the game, could grant the game the 18 rating that would see it made available on UK shelves, or it could make its own appeal to the High Court.
Publisher "pleased" with result, but BBFC won't rate game until full report issued [GamesIndustry.biz]
[via GamePolitics]
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Posted to Hot Stuff, Video Games on 11 December 2007
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Other stuff like this: ban, bbfc, manhunt 2, rating, uk
We believe (ugh) that every article relating to said game should include linkage to Penny Arcades recent-ish Manhunt cartoon. Those odd boys may be onto something...