Rockstar’s edited version of Manhunt 2 has been refused certification by the anti-videogaming censors at the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). The Board accuses Rockstar of 'ignoring' its suggestions for changes to the game's content.
SPOnG is not yet sure if the version submitted to the BBFC this time around was the same version passed for release in the US recently by the ESRB though we cannot imagine why Rockstar UK would submit a different version to the BBFC than that submitted by Rockstar US to the ESRB. We are awaiting clarification from Rockstar and will report back in due course.
In the meantime, chief censor David Cooke, from the BBFC said the following in a statement today:
“We recognise that the distributor has made changes to the game, but we do not consider that these go far enough to address our concerns about the original version. The impact of the revisions on the bleakness and callousness of tone, or the essential nature of the gameplay, is clearly insufficient.
“There has been a reduction in the visual detail in some of the ‘execution kills’, but in others they retain their original visceral and casually sadistic nature. We did make suggestions for further changes to the game, but the distributor has chosen not to make them, and as a result we have rejected the game on both platforms. The decision on whether or not an appeal goes ahead lies with the distributor.”
Rockstar will no doubt be picking up its appeal with the Video Appeals Committee.
In the meantime, while the BBFC continues to waste everybody’s time and resources in its unfavourable treatment of adult-themed videogames compared to adult-themed movies, UK gamers might just want to pick up the PS2 or Wii versions of Manhunt 2 on import – after US release on Halloween at the end of the month.
SPOnG is not yet sure if the version submitted to the BBFC this time around was the same version passed for release in the US recently by the ESRB though we cannot imagine why Rockstar UK would submit a different version to the BBFC than that submitted by Rockstar US to the ESRB. We are awaiting clarification from Rockstar and will report back in due course.
In the meantime, chief censor David Cooke, from the BBFC said the following in a statement today:
“We recognise that the distributor has made changes to the game, but we do not consider that these go far enough to address our concerns about the original version. The impact of the revisions on the bleakness and callousness of tone, or the essential nature of the gameplay, is clearly insufficient.
“There has been a reduction in the visual detail in some of the ‘execution kills’, but in others they retain their original visceral and casually sadistic nature. We did make suggestions for further changes to the game, but the distributor has chosen not to make them, and as a result we have rejected the game on both platforms. The decision on whether or not an appeal goes ahead lies with the distributor.”
Rockstar will no doubt be picking up its appeal with the Video Appeals Committee.
In the meantime, while the BBFC continues to waste everybody’s time and resources in its unfavourable treatment of adult-themed videogames compared to adult-themed movies, UK gamers might just want to pick up the PS2 or Wii versions of Manhunt 2 on import – after US release on Halloween at the end of the month.
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Comments
Coxy 8 Oct 2007 12:01
1/7
UK gamers might just want to pick up the PS2 or Wii versions of Manhunt 2 on import – after US release on Halloween at the end of the month.
Which we can't do as both consoles are reigion locked!
Joji 8 Oct 2007 12:13
2/7
Bloody idiots, I don't know why Rockstar bothered, they've already made up their mind.
Guess this makes another game for me to import then. This is gonna make the Wii version a real treat. There's still the option to import it from the Netherlands, as we can shop in the eu and their cut should have english in it to.
Well, I can't wait to see what happens with Jericho. I think its time for Clive Barker to get on his soapbox and defend games again, because very few in the industry feel brave enough to stand up for adult games.
What a shameful display of double standard at play once more. Thanks a lot BBFC.
Guess this makes another game for me to import then. This is gonna make the Wii version a real treat. There's still the option to import it from the Netherlands, as we can shop in the eu and their cut should have english in it to.
Well, I can't wait to see what happens with Jericho. I think its time for Clive Barker to get on his soapbox and defend games again, because very few in the industry feel brave enough to stand up for adult games.
What a shameful display of double standard at play once more. Thanks a lot BBFC.
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zoydwheeler 8 Oct 2007 12:14
3/7
Which we can't do as both consoles are reigion locked!
Err, just chip your PS2 or Wii then?
Earl 8 Oct 2007 12:18
4/7
just get the dutch version out next month..
zoydwheeler 8 Oct 2007 12:39
5/7
As far as I know there is no 'Dutch version' planned for release in Europe - the Dutch authorities have merely said that they would not restrict the game from being on sale. Rockstar has made no announcement about releasing a Euro version only in Holland... though I will confirm what the score is with all this later today when I speak to Rockstar UK's PR guys.
Perhaps it's time to invest in a US Wii after all ... hmmm... plenty for sale it seems http://product.ebay.com/Nintendo-Wii-Game-console_W0QQfvcsZ1452QQsoprZ56833153
Perhaps it's time to invest in a US Wii after all ... hmmm... plenty for sale it seems http://product.ebay.com/Nintendo-Wii-Game-console_W0QQfvcsZ1452QQsoprZ56833153
Joji 8 Oct 2007 14:14
6/7
A U.S/Jap Wii? I guess that could be done. I'd still prefer to import that PAL game though. Its possible we might not see it in Germany, so if not Holland the next best bet is importing it from Australia (if they get it) or Hong Kong.
Chipping Wii is an option, but due to Nintendo cracking down on modchips they might be hard to find. The internet obviously circumvents their efforts though.
I still have to get a Wii though, but I guess I can still get a PSP or PS2 cut on import.
Chipping Wii is an option, but due to Nintendo cracking down on modchips they might be hard to find. The internet obviously circumvents their efforts though.
I still have to get a Wii though, but I guess I can still get a PSP or PS2 cut on import.
zoydwheeler 8 Oct 2007 15:52
7/7
I asked the Rockstar UK PR guys about the PAL releases outside of the UK and whether or not this new version knocked back by the BBFC again today was the same edited version that has been ok'd for sale in the US, but all they gave me was this response - http://news.spong.com/article/13962