Manhunt 2: California Senator Hits Back At Rating Board

SPOnG informed you yesterday of the American games ratings board, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) refusing to bow to pressure from anti-videogaming campaigner, California State Senator Leland Yee, to make public the details of its decision to re-rate Manhunt 2 from an AO (Adult Only) to an M (Mature).

Manhunt 2 is rapidly becoming the most controversial game of all time. Which - deepest, darkest irony - also makes it one of the most-wanted games of 2007.

Here is Sentator Yee’s response to the ESRB’s refusal to outline the re-rating decision:



Exactly why the ESRB feels that it can't disclose why its rating has changed is indeed a bewildering issue - especially in an age where transparency in decision making should be high up the agenda. Also, bear in mind that the ESRB itself is a 'self-regulatory' body. This means, of course, that it's a body set up by the North American video games industry to monitor its own output. This is always going to be put it in the firing line for anybody wishing to score political points - and also wishing to prefer state-controlled content.

Bear in mind that the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is not a 'self-regulatory' body.

So, maybe the ESRB should open its decision-making process to scrutiny, thereby creating a situation in which it - and the industry - can defend itself from cheap, political tactics.

Wherever you stand on the quality of the game (we didn't particularly see any great 'Woot!' about it in our preview), SPOnG is happy that the game is finally getting a rating which will enable it to go on sale, and we are confident that the UK’s British Board of Film Classification will soon follow suit, giving Manhunt 2 an 18-rating in the UK.

Like any responsible adults though, we are of course concerned that the game should not get into the hands of minors and will urge parents, retailers and everybody involved in the UK games industry to be vigilant on that score, once Manhunt 2 is finally on the shelf.

If you see or hear of anybody under the age of 18 buying Manhunt 2 you should simply have a quiet word with the child’s parents and/or contact ELSPA to report any renegade retailers spotted selling the game to children. This way, as adult gamers we can continue to enjoy adult-themed games while educating other non-gaming adults about the importance of understanding the ratings system.

As an industry we then get on with continuing to develop and market such games with less fear of the ESRB/BBFC slapping a ban on our favourite pastime.