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Manhunt 2 and the AO rating:
http://gamepolitics.com/2007/06/19/b...-only-by-esrb/

This just in from Take Two Interactive, publisher of the embattled Manhunt 2: The ESRB has issued an initial rating of AO (Adults Only) for Manhunt 2. We believe the process of rating videogames is to help people make informed entertainment choices and not to limit them. Manhunt 2 was created for mature audiences and we strongly believe it should receive an M (Mature) rating, aligning it with similar content created in other forms of media. We are exploring our options with regard to the rating of Manhunt 2. Beyond that, T2 isn’t talking. It is unknown exactly when the AO was assigned to Manhunt 2, but it would have to have been less than 30 days ago, based on earlier comments by ESRB president Patricia Vance. GP: For a video game publisher, the economic impact of an AO rating cannot be overstated. It means that major retailers like Wal-mart, which by itself accounts for about 25% of retail games sales, will not carry Manhunt 2. There is an appeal process available to game pubilshers who wish to dispute rating assignments.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=25909

"To issue a certificate would involve a range of unjustifiable risks, to both adults and minors" The BBFC has rejected Rockstar's Manhunt 2, banning the controversial title from sale anywhere in the UK. Both PlayStation 2 and Wii versions of the game have been banned, with the BBFC unable to recommend cuts or removal of content to make it suitable for public sale. "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," revealed David Cooke, director of the BBFC. "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," he continued. The BBFC has stated that the sequel to Manhunt is far more brutal and bleak than the original title, which was granted an 18 rating 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," 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." The last game to be banned by the BBFC was Carmageddon in 1997. Publisher Rockstar has the right to appeal against the BBFC's decision. Rockstar was not available at the time of writing.

The game does look beyond tasteless, but banning stuff sucks.

Last game banned in the UK was Carmageddon eh, I wouldn't say the Uk is one of the stricter european countries either, there's no way this'll get through in Germany.

I wonder if they can make changes and re-submit it.

the controversey train starts rolling

Ah, Carmageddon. What a stupid, yet, silly-fun-for-high-school game.

This isn't really news. The original Manhunt was banned in several places. Not exactly sure where but I know if you try to list it on ebay with International shipping they don't let you list it. I don't know which areas you have to remove exactly to get it to work.

Good. I don't see how Manhunt can be fun at all and it definitely isn't doing any good.

Cowards. Yet another reason Children of Men applies all the more to the UK.

this is 2007, and yet there is still censorship of books, movies, music and games
insane

At the same time, Rockstar knew this game would be banned in a lot of places. Hence why they never invested in a PS3/360 version of the game. It's easier to make money on a Wii/PS2 production cost in limited markets than HD versions.

I disapprove of your crappy game, but I will defend to the death your right to play/publish it.

This kind of activity is scarier than the stuff that happens in the Manhunt games.

Originally Posted by willardhaven I disapprove of your crappy game, but I will defend to the death your right to play/publish it. This kind of activity is scarier than the stuff that happens in the Manhunt games.

What's even scarier is this kind of activity going on with Harry Potter books.

I thought the UK was a beacon for Liberalism. Same with Australia.

... yet they always ban films, video games, music and other forms of art.

Originally Posted by Brak I thought the UK was a beacon for Liberalism. Same with Australia. ... yet they always ban films, video games, music and other forms of art.

I think the UK generally cuts a good balance between censorship and the "anything goes" attittude of some other european countries.

The Uk used to censor a lot more than it does now, especially with art and films back in the 70's/80's. These days I think it gets things about right.

Originally Posted by mrchainsaw Good. I don't see how Manhunt can be fun at all and it definitely isn't doing any good.

First: am I the only one here that really enjoyed the first Manhunt? That game was crazy tense.

Second: I don't see how censorship can do any good...

I loved the first Manhunt and I'll definitely pick up the sequel once I get my Wii.

Originally Posted by Brak I thought the UK was a beacon for Liberalism. Same with Australia. ... yet they always ban films, video games, music and other forms of art.

In America the Dems are seen as liberals but I think we can all agree that they are moderately hostile to violent video games. These days liberal is typically taken to mean favoring big govt - IMO it follows that big govt would eventually start becoming nanny govt if unchecked by the people.

My theory is that Americans associate censorship and morality police with conservatives because of the recent administration.

Originally Posted by willardhaven I disapprove of your crappy game, but I will defend to the death your right to play/publish it. This kind of activity is scarier than the stuff that happens in the Manhunt games.

Totally agree with the first statement. If parents were more on top of regulating what their kids play, this wouldn't be necessary. It's being banned because many parents are lazy as hell. (It's possible for parents to use the ESRB or EU equivalent-- my nephew asks his parents first whenever he wants to try a game over E.)

but i dunno...I'm more scared of having balls and one of my vertebrae ripped off by fireplace tongs

Originally Posted by schuerm26 What's even scarier is this kind of activity going on with Harry Potter books.

Hmm - care to explain?

It's retarded whenever any government tries to legislate anything based on Decency.

Originally Posted by camoor In America the Dems are seen as liberals but I think we can all agree that they are moderately hostile to violent video games. These days liberal is typically taken to mean favoring big govt - IMO it follows that big govt would eventually start becoming nanny govt if unchecked by the people. My theory is that Americans associate censorship and morality police with conservatives because of the recent administration.

Both sides do it equally, if not entirely different from one another.

Essentially, they both ban things that offend their side of the fence.

I'd be so bold to say that the American Liberals are more censorship-crazy than the Right.