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Manhunt 2 banned in the UK (Updated for Irish gamers)
Jim Sterling06.19.2007 7:10 (445 day(s) ago) 133 comments

Manhunt 2 banned in the UK (Updated for Irish gamers) screenshot
Today marks a very miserable day in the supposed evolution of mankind, as the British Board of Film Classification has rejected Rockstar's PS2, PSP and Wii sequel, Manhunt 2, refusing to give it a rating and thus making its supply illegal in the United Kingdom. The game, fully covered and hyped by all major UK games publications, has been deemed an "unjustifiable harm risk" by the social babysitters at the BBFC and as such, a game that many Britons were doubtless looking forward to playing has been denied them.

David Cooke, Director of the BBFC, had this to say for himself:

"Rejecting a work is a very serious action and one which we do not take lightly. 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."

This is disappointing news and a very sad statement of society that this has happened. The banning of Manhunt 2 marks the first videogame to go unrated since 1997's Carmageddon, a decision that was ultimately overturned thanks to an appeal by the Video Appeals Committee.  Hopefully, Rockstar challenges the board's inane and frankly disgusting move to have this game taken away from British gamers. 

For the full statement from Cooke and for my frank throughts on the matter, hit the jump.

[Update: It seems the Irish Film Censors Office has decided to go ahead and ban the game as well, claiming that "the level of gross, unrelenting and gratuitous violence is unacceptable." Nice to know that Ireland's entertainment is governed by a bunch of immature, oversensitive nannies as well.]

"Rejecting a work is a very serious action and one which we do not take lightly. 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.
Under the terms of the Video Recordings Act distributors have the right to appeal the Board's decision."

I don't know about any of you, but I find this news depressing beyond all reason. I didn't even like the first Manhunt, but for this game to be banned because a small group of self-important individuals won't let us decide what media we can and cannot handle is just a shocking example of how farcical this country has become.

Hardcore pornography is legal, movies show shocking and deplorable acts time and time again, but because this is a videogame, we in the United Kingdom have suddenly been told we're not allowed to experience it. This is the kind of sickening double standard that an industry that rakes in more money than Hollywood has to deal with and we, the consumers, are the ones who get punished. What will it take for this childish and reactionary prejudice against videogames to end? 

To claim that this game is harmful is a statement of purest arrogance. I would optimistically hope that the BBFC actually played this game before banning it - are they harmed in any way, shape or form by what they saw, or believe they saw? Evidently not, if they were mentally capable enough to ban the game, so what right do they have to just assume that everyone else is too weak to handle playing it? That's an insult to adult gamers up and down the country and I choose to take that insult personally. I'm 23 years old and I don't live with mommy anymore, I should be able to make my own decisions about what videogames I can safely play. Or perhaps the BBFC would like to come feed me, dress me and change my diaper while they're at it. 

It just fills me with an icy dread that this is merely the beginning. Once an action is taken and succeeds, it becomes consequentially easier for that action to happen again and again. As I stated earlier, I hope Rockstar fights this and I hope Rockstar wins, not just for its own game, but for every game that could potentially fall victim to the whims of a few individuals. 

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a game to import.

On principal alone. 

MORE IN OUR WHAAAAAAT? SECTION

Latest comment by CypherVR |view all 133 comments
Big Brother is watching you..masterbate ...





topgeargorilla's Avatar
topgeargorilla at 06/19/2007 07:13

ha ha i just pointed this out to you ha ha
bhive01's Avatar
bhive01 at 06/19/2007 07:16

I wonder if they really did play the game. I don't think the ESRB raters actually play the game. Certainly not all the way through.

Regardless. If it is unclassifiable there are not enough classifications. The scale in the UK is what... age right? They should make this game 23+.

Jim I wouldn't mind seeing a post about the actual laws behind this. These so-called "guidelines" they followed. And, why the hell is an unrated game unsellable?
Mxyzptlk's Avatar
Mxyzptlk at 06/19/2007 07:17

Man, you Brits are so repressive. Manhunt 2 is Saturday Morning cartoon fare over here in the States. My kids can see Arnold Schwarzenegger blow up people in movies all day long, but it's not like it'll have any lasting impact on them.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to write six dozens letters to the FCC because an actor on Popular Primetime Sitcom: The Show made a veiled reference to sex. I can't have my children finding out how they came into the world, they'll start having orgies in the streets!
Tempus's Avatar
Tempus at 06/19/2007 07:19

Did they fuck play the game, they read the manual, the plot synopsis and possibly went through the tutorial. Off topic - every time I try to comment on an article, my browser goes UP because of the stupid free orange sim card deal. Sort it out :(

It'll be an under the counter job, but it's doubtful that retailers like GAME will stock this title. Still, import sales will go up and those who... stop right there. Fuck this - stupid orange making it too hard to comment. Fuck it.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 06/19/2007 07:23

Mxyzptlk: Actually, America is no better than the UK when it comes to repression, you just have problems with different things. I prefer England's media to America's for the most part, because I'll take the ability to say certain words over the ability to show violence. Your censored language on TV is something that amazes me.

This, however, makes me yearn to live in the States once again. One day I'll get off this wretched fucking island.
topgeargorilla's Avatar
topgeargorilla at 06/19/2007 07:27

jim, yeah, i LOVE watching dirty sanchez and getting a faceful of cock. it's teh best. and the whole swearing thing is weird in the UK. That 70's show gets butchered every night as they take out every minor swear word. it's all the same shit here.
Mxyzptlk's Avatar
Mxyzptlk at 06/19/2007 07:28

That's what I was poking fun at with the "letters to the FCC" thing. :)
brimtastic's Avatar
brimtastic at 06/19/2007 07:29

Hmm. I also wasn't going to buy this, but am really surprised to see it being banned. Are there any online petitions up yet? Not that they would do any good though.
This will probably be the start of a slippery slope for us gamers here in the UK. They'll probably ban the next GTA too. Eventually we'll be forced to play nothing but endless Sims clones.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 06/19/2007 07:29

Oh yeah. Mxy, you wily trickster, you.
bhive01's Avatar
bhive01 at 06/19/2007 07:29

You mean there was important information in your second paragraph? I got tired of reading after the first one.
Tempus's Avatar
Tempus at 06/19/2007 07:30

PS, Killzone wasn't banned. I think they just have it in for this game considering it's original hype and coverage for the last game
tehuberone's Avatar
tehuberone at 06/19/2007 07:34

LOL next RE4 will be banned.

subnet6's Avatar
subnet6 at 06/19/2007 07:36

@jim,

"Mxyzptlk: Actually, America is no better than the UK when it comes to repression, you just have problems with different things."

His "american" tone must not have translated well, because if I'm not mistaken that was exactly his point.

In the US, explosions and death are fine but we need to pretend sex doesn't exist. WTF?
Mxyzptlk's Avatar
Mxyzptlk at 06/19/2007 07:38

See the South Park episode "Good Times with Weapons" for a great satire on this.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 06/19/2007 07:42

One of the best SP episodes ever, btw.
whackmushrooms's Avatar
whackmushrooms at 06/19/2007 07:51

man that sucks for them huh? lucky they have the 50 million from MS to cover a bit ;)

as a parent i am glad to see that this can still happen seeing that it is OBVIOUS the ratings systems for games are pathetic excuses for a well needed moral check .. that said if banning is the only way to get people interested in the content of a game then so be it.
Snaileb 's Avatar
Snaileb at 06/19/2007 07:52

Sorry Jim, I know how much you wanted this game.

The Tormented's Avatar
The Tormented at 06/19/2007 07:55

Manhunt 2 was banned because of the Wii port.The Board got scared that the little kids would play it on Nintendo's Toy Thingy.
BlindsideDork's Avatar
BlindsideDork at 06/19/2007 07:57

Do you have an import Wii or a freeloading Wii thingy?
Rbj's Avatar
Rbj at 06/19/2007 07:59

It better get through on appeal.
Doomed Seraph's Avatar
Doomed Seraph at 06/19/2007 08:03

Yeah, that orange ad at the top of the page is really pissing me off when trying to read comments.

On topic - I can see what they're getting at here, games ARE different to movies and books and it IS right to distinguish them. But I think this is far too extreme, the game isn't that bad for anyone over 18 (or 23, whatever) and it's a shame that they can censor something like this from reasonable people. Sad day, indeed, but justifiable in respect of the shitty application of age restrictions and the state of the British youth = fucking scum bags!

THAT ORANGE AD HAS MADE WRITING THIS A NIGHTMARE, I'VE BEEN SEEING THE TOP OF THIS PAGE AND LEAVING THE COMMENT WINDOW EVERY 25 SECONDS OR SO! SORT IT OUT!
BlindsideDork's Avatar
BlindsideDork at 06/19/2007 08:05

bisect the skull with a saw! *gasp*


PS: I see no orange. Do you have a virus?
galagabug 's Avatar
galagabug at 06/19/2007 08:06

wasn't there an article on rampant wii piracy in Europe just a few weeks ago? something tells me this game will still be everywhere.
bhive01's Avatar
bhive01 at 06/19/2007 08:09

@Whackmushrooms, I don't really understand your comment. Are you saying that as a society we shouldn't be producing these games because they are immoral in your opinion?

As a parent you should pay attention to the rating schemes. You don't buy an M game for a 13 year old. No matter how much they bitch about it. I don't understand why people complain about the rating schemes. I feel that most games are given the appropriate rating. If you're a parent then you should pay attention to them and buy only what is appropriate for your child or according to your families set moral compass. I may no share the same moral compass as you, but that is my decision. It is not the government's job to tell me what I can and cannot buy (at least with regards to videogames).
bhive01's Avatar
bhive01 at 06/19/2007 08:10

I think the orange ad is a UK or Europe only thing.
whackmushrooms's Avatar
whackmushrooms at 06/19/2007 08:25

no no ... im saying that if the current ratings systems both in the US and the UK would not try to sell this stuff to kids and retail outlets would just put the mature content behind the counter this kind of thing would never happen ... but since it has its pretty obvious that these people are just trying to protect (something).

i have seen so many kids get turned away just to come back with parents its insane ... and although it would be nice for parents to pay attention .. they dont .. most are just not into anything else except peace and quiet which is something they get when the kids are gaming ;) ... then there is the internet .. where you dont need anything except a CC#.

there is obviously a problem big enough to get this game banned (even if its in some peoples eyes) ... but then again this is politics .. just takes one moron to take us to war .. with that said maybe its time you write a letter to your local rep (if this news even applies to you)
Alaphic's Avatar
Alaphic at 06/19/2007 08:25

Ah, so the US isn't the only one with a "nanny-state" thing going on?

That's good to know.
BuckF1tches's Avatar
BuckF1tches at 06/19/2007 08:28

Jack Thompson just got a hardon...
Silverhertz's Avatar
Silverhertz at 06/19/2007 08:30

I will DESTROY that orange ad....if I knew how.

my first name? FUCK YOU BITCH
JohnnyWadd's Avatar
JohnnyWadd at 06/19/2007 08:31

"I'll take the ability to say certain words over the ability to show violence. Your censored language on TV is something that amazes me."

Not too mention people aren't so uptight about seeing a pair of tits across the pond either.

Shitty news about the banning though if you want it bad enough just order it over the internet.
dvddesign 's Avatar
dvddesign at 06/19/2007 08:31

Well, if pressed to decide on which set of criteria to base banning something on, I'm going to side with the UK here. Banning violence ain't so bad when you have bewbs so readily available on TV in europe.

And bewbs > bloody, bloody, violence
Mxyzptlk's Avatar
Mxyzptlk at 06/19/2007 08:32

@ Alaphic:

Man, ask Fana7ic or 3r0t1c n3rd about game censorship in Germany sometime... We get off easy.
comradetrotskii's Avatar
comradetrotskii at 06/19/2007 08:32

Well fuck.

I thought the BBFC had moved beyond this shit. I've used them before as an example of how age rating systems should work. I would like to say more on this but I don't have time just now.

It can probably be summed up with these words: cunts and cocks.
RICHARD BLOCKER's Avatar
RICHARD BLOCKER at 06/19/2007 08:32

This is rediculous. They are only helping Rockstar immensly. By banning this game, it's name is being brought to the attention of people who never heard of it. It's cache just exponentially expanded. Once the ban gets overturned, which it most probably will, sales will increase.

Even if the ban is not overturned, this news will probably increase sales worldwide, becasue people will want to see what all the fuss is about.
Another positive side effect- I will buy a Wii and Manhunt just so I can reap the boundless joy of rubbing it in Sterlings face that I have Manhunt and he doesn't.
Rockvillian's Avatar
Rockvillian at 06/19/2007 08:33

@alaphic

totally with you right there!

I couldn't give 2 shits about Manhunt 2 though, to the length of me not supporting it. Sometimes I have to draw the line at games that shed really, really unnecessary harsh red light on us gamers.

Or maybe I'm just getting old and don't feel the need to purchase a mature game to counteract the fact I own a Wii.
Demios's Avatar
Demios at 06/19/2007 08:34

This fucking blows...Proberly means i cant get it in Ireland now either! We usually follow suit with the uk chains of stores (Gamestop/GAME etc..)

A sad day for gaming..Weak-minded fools..There will be gameburning in the streets yet, i have forseen it.
Kryptinite's Avatar
Kryptinite at 06/19/2007 08:45

Someone needs to harden the fuck up.

On a lighter note, fuck this game. I don't suppose Wiis are region free are they? If there were I'd just buy UK the bloody game.
bhive01's Avatar
bhive01 at 06/19/2007 08:49

@ Johnny,

"Not too mention people aren't so uptight about seeing a pair of tits across the pond either."

I'm not uptight about seeing tits. Unless they're Gregors.
brimtastic's Avatar
brimtastic at 06/19/2007 08:55

@ Silverhertz:

Firefox with the NoScript/Adblock add-ons works just luverly
RICHARD BLOCKER's Avatar
RICHARD BLOCKER at 06/19/2007 09:13

I also submit, Sterling is a BBFC basher
BahamutZero's Avatar
BahamutZero at 06/19/2007 09:14

congratulations. the UK just made manhunt 2 the most popular game in the world. don't they know this shit always backfires by drawing attention to itself? I'm investing in take two
BlindsideDork's Avatar
BlindsideDork at 06/19/2007 09:19

Hooray Stermblebee for helping Manhunt 2 succeed!
Kif 's Avatar
Kif at 06/19/2007 09:19

I think that answers the question of whether or not I'm getting a Wiikey.
BlindsideDork's Avatar
BlindsideDork at 06/19/2007 09:22

Wiikey?
Kif 's Avatar
Kif at 06/19/2007 09:31

Mod chip for the Wii. This way at least I can play the US copy.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 06/19/2007 09:36

btw, I was never hugely excited for this game. Interested, but not excited. I will, however, be looking into importing it based on sheer princicpal. It's banned, I now will buy it. My anger isn't that I can't play Manhunt, it's that other gamers can't and that videogames are being treated so fucking unfairly.

I needed to mod my Wii anyway because I'm sick of Europe getting the shaft on release dates. The BBFC are gonna make me hurry my ass up on that.
Kif 's Avatar
Kif at 06/19/2007 09:42

Right there with you Jim. It's pathetic how long we have to wait for games here. Microsoft and Sony have no problem getting games out a week or so after release in the US. The only 2 games I want to play on my Wii are both out in America and have been for ages, yet here they are still TBC.

If I can't buy Manhunt 2 from France or something, then I will be modding my Wii.
bunnyrabbit2's Avatar
bunnyrabbit2 at 06/19/2007 09:46

After reading what was said, it seems they didn't give it a classification because they think the game is all violence. It is like making a film where it is 90 minutes of gore and killing only because the player is in control they suspect it is more involved and stuff.

This is kinda weird because they recently did a survey that came up with the opposite results (Latest PCGamer UK has the article).

As for the game itself, I never really liked the first one. Sure it was funny to watch people get murderised but that was about it. I never got very far because I got bored of it very fast. I am guessing the second is pretty much the same, but then I have not read anything on it so I may be talking out of my ass a bit there.

(Also, first ever post on Dtoid, w00t!)
Justice's Avatar
Justice at 06/19/2007 09:49

Wow that sucks so much ass!
I never expected this over here, maybe Germany, but not her in the UK
Justice's Avatar
Justice at 06/19/2007 09:50

here*
verkon's Avatar
verkon at 06/19/2007 09:59

They better not modify version for the rest of europe. I want violence!
nademagnet's Avatar
nademagnet at 06/19/2007 10:09

Freedom of speech and expression (no matter how vulgar or violent) is getting nerfed all over the damn place. We love to make it out to be a huge ordeal, and honestly, sometimes it is. I only hope that someone puts a little common sense into the heads of the few who make these decisions and just bump up the ratings so that it's "suggested" that only a mature audience views/plays the game.
Lolthien's Avatar
Lolthien at 06/19/2007 10:12

Well.. I realize this is a HIGHLY unpopular point of view, but I take pretty much the same view as I do with Hostel or SAW. Why the fuck does the violence have to be so casual? The torture and wailing for mercy is treated with sadistic indifference and sure I played manhunt 1 about as much as any of you did (an hour or two tops).

I may not condone the censorship of any expression of art or free speech, but come on.. this is a bad video game which lives or dies by how much controversy it can stir up... hell, they probably went out of their way to make sure it would be banned. This is a manufactured controversy, and Manhunt 2 is not worth my outrage.
Lolthien's Avatar
Lolthien at 06/19/2007 10:14

Also, upon re-reading, my last post is completely incoherent.
RICHARD BLOCKER's Avatar
RICHARD BLOCKER at 06/19/2007 10:19

Lolthien,
It's not about being a shitty game or being too violent, or just living on the merits of the controversy it can manufacture. It's about a consumer who is of legal age to be able to choose for himself.
dvddesign 's Avatar
dvddesign at 06/19/2007 10:20

Bully was an excellent counterpoint to your arguement Lolthien.

It was the antithesis of what Manhunt is and seemed to exist solely to twist off people who think all this violence REALLY hurts people. Look at all the controversy Bully created just on name and a handful of screenshots for MONTHS.
Rockvillian's Avatar
Rockvillian at 06/19/2007 10:22

@lolthien

Coherent enough, I'm just glad someone else feels the same way about games like Manhunt (also Hostel or SAW. I'm a lifetime horror lover and all I can say is COME ON.)
Raymod's Avatar
Raymod at 06/19/2007 10:26

The importers are going to make a fortune out of this game, BUT! it could also lead to law suits against the importers for bringing such harsh pornography into the UK.
Well i can guarantee you that I'll be trying to get one of my local game shops (Hopefully the good one. GAMES CENTRE.CO.UK ) to import this for me.
Ah well at least I still have the Excellent Scottish weather, *looks out window* AW SHITE!!!
AND i see what you guys mean about the orange ad, i wasn't getting it with windows explorer but i was getting it with Firefox.
kakusei's Avatar
kakusei at 06/19/2007 10:27

This move is just going to increase piracy really, though, isn't it?
savagesaladin's Avatar
savagesaladin at 06/19/2007 10:29

Those fucks. Why can't they mind their own business? Thats right, you import that fucker and play it. Then have some children play it.

LordRegulus's Avatar
LordRegulus at 06/19/2007 10:45

Christ. I mean, I'm all for carding 14-year-olds who want to buy M-rated games, but banning them entirely? Shit.

Honestly though, I'm with Lolthien and Rockvillain on this one. Was Manhunt 2 even going to be any good? If they were doing this to, say, Silent Hill 5, THEN I'd be outraged. This is just a collection of cheap waggle gimmicks. The whole game screams



Tell you what, Rockstar. I'll pay attention when you make a game with a subtext more compelling than "It's a dog-eat-dog world! Let's get those fuckers!" I grew out of that phase when GTA III came out.