BBFC rejects Manhunt 2

[CrazyMAC]

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/27545/BBFC-rejects-Manhunt-2

BBFC rejects Manhunt 2Ben Parfitt Today, 11:45am

British Classification body rules Rockstar cannot release upcoming PS2 and Wii sequel in the UK

With Take 2 already in turmoil following the recent company-wide restructuring, the group has been dealt another blow with the news that Rockstar’s upcoming sequel Manhunt 2 has been rejected by the BBFC, meaning it cannot legally be supplied anywhere in the UK.

The only other game to ever be rejected by the body was Carmageddon in 1997, though that decision was overturned by the Video Appeals Committee.

“Rejecting a work is a very serious action and one which we do not take lightly,” BBFC director David Cooke stated. “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. 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.

“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.

“That work was classified ‘18’ in 2003, before the BBFC’s recent games research had been undertaken, but was already at the very top end of what the Board judged to be acceptable at that category.

“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.”

[Psy]

Fair enough.

[Zeta]

sounds like a well considered decision.

[CrazyMAC]

I'm rather shocked that you both accept this so easily.

[Psy]

Why shouldn't we? They obviously found the game to be too violent to be released to the public here in the UK.

It's not like they're anti-violent-video-game nazis.

[Zacker]

What? You guys think this is fair? In my opinion it is an incredible better-knowing, humiliating and a limit of my person freedom that they are not selling it.

I am so much against that anyone tries to decide what I want to spend my money on. They are basically saying that adults are not old enough to decide on if they want a game or not.

Rate it 18+, that's fine with me so people know it's violent. But why not give the people the choice?

If they criterium just is that it might be bad for people, then what about disallowing fast food, coffee and whatnot.

[CrazyMAC]

No, it will be released, It's the fact they want to censor an adult rated game.

[Zacker]

British Classification body rules Rockstar cannot release upcoming PS2 and Wii sequel in the UK

No, it will be released, It's the fact they want to censor an adult rated game.

Ehh?

[Thrik]

I'm kind of torn to be honest. On the one hand I don't think the world will be any worse off with a game that basically capitalises upon stalking and murdering (as opposed to other games which generally have some kind of motivation for doing so you can relate to), I find it difficult to criticise its deployment when we've got games like Postal out there, and films like Saw.

I'd imagine a major factor in the banning is of course the fact that the Wii version will almost certainly involve graphic reproductions of the murder with your own movements, which does take things to a slightly different level. Especially when, despite whatever anyone says, we all know full well that kids easily have access to these games, in large part of because of parent ignorance.

I don't think I'd be comfortable with my younger brother/sisters acting out the thrusts of a stabbing murder while a victim is mutilated in the name of fun, and indeed they wouldn't be allowed to play something of that level at home, but I know they'll get access to it at friends' houses because their parents don't really have the common sense to work out that an 18-rated game isn't suitable for a 9-year-old.

As far as the overall picture goes, I think this is probably a good move. Games that completely glorify mindless violence have never really worked for me, and I thought the Postal series was absolutely pathetic. Until game ratings are better monitored I don't think allowing something that is quite this graphic out there would be a good idea.

But then, I don't have a taste for these type of games so at the end of the day I don't really give a shit.

By the way, if a film was released commercially that is nothing more than two hours of extremely violent acted-out murders with no real justification, what would you think of the person who bought and watched it gleefully?

[Thrik]

And yes, by the looks of it it won't be released here. They explicitly state that while they do consider censorship and content changes an option with most games, Manhunt 2 isn't one of them. It's been completely denied release, and I presume the changes required to get it through would be extremely extensive.

[CrazyMAC]

British Classification body rules Rockstar cannot release upcoming PS2 and Wii sequel in the UK

No, it will be released, It's the fact they want to censor an adult rated game.

Ehh?

They will cut out the parts that the BBFC have deemed to violent. I can't imagen Rockstar can afford to not release/sell the game.

[CrazyMAC]

And yes, by the looks of it it won't be released here. They explicitly state that while they do consider censorship and content changes an option with most games, Manhunt 2 isn't one of them. It's been completely denied release, and I presume the changes required to get it through would be extremely extensive.

I can't imagen it not coming out. They might just be strong words to please the video gaming hating media and to make it look like they are taking things seriously. Could Manhunt 2 really be much worse then the first one.

What does intrested me is why Nintendo would let them make a Wii version.

[CrazyMAC]

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/27546/ELSPA-r ... anhunt-ban

ELSPA responds to Manhunt banBen Parfitt Today, 12:30pm

Director general Paul Jackson says BBFC's decision proves that the UK’s games rating system is ‘effective’

UK games trade body ELSPA has reacted to the news that the BBFC has banned Rockstar’s Manhunt 2 from sale in the UK by saying that it proves that current ratings system is working.

Director general Paul Jackson stated: “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 on screen entertainment.

"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."

[Defrag]

I didn't see this coming at all. It's hard to say whether they are trying to send out a message (to the industry [don't make this kind of game], the media [we are mature and self-policing] or others) or genuinely setting a precedent which will be rigidly adhered to in future. My opinion pretty much mirrors Thrik's. I don't really get much out of mindless violence in games -- I want a motivation for doing what I'm doing (proper objectives, army games, saving the world etc.) Fair enough, some games like GTA do allow you to go on a violent rampage, but it's just a side part of the game and something that usually has boundaries (like you'll soon a load of stars and promptly shot up by the police). When it's the main thrust of the game it just feels 'wrong' to me.

The media coverage (whether you think the media is sensationalist / wrong or not) of games like Manhunt doesn't really do much to move gaming forwards. It just reaffirms gaming's perceived position as the preserve of socially retarded teenage nerds (which is far from the truth).

[Sindwiller]

I agree with Thrik here.