Rockstar Responds To UK Banning Of Manhunt 2
By Daniel on Tuesday, June 19th, 2007 at 11:49 AM PST In Nintendo, Rockstar, Sony, Take-Two
Earlier today, the news broke out all over the internet Rockstar’s Manhunt 2 was banned from being released in the UK by the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification). Upon hearing the news, Rockstar has released an official statement in response to the banning,
“We are disappointed with the recent decision by the British Board of Film Classification to refuse classification of Manhunt 2. While we respect the authority of the classification board and will abide by the rules, we emphatically disagree with this particular decision.
“Manhunt 2 is an entertainment experience for fans of psychological thrillers and horror. The subject matter of this game is in line with other mainstream entertainment choices for adult consumers.
“We respect those who have different opinions about the horror genre and video games as a whole, but we hope they will also consider the opinions of the adult gamers for whom this product is intended. We believe all products should be rated to allow the public to make informed choices about the media and art they wish to consume. The stories in modern video games are as diverse as the stories in books, film and television. The adult consumers who would play this game fully understand that it is fictional interactive entertainment and nothing more.”
Rockstar does make a valid point in their response. Video games are an entertainment medium that should be treated just how Television, Film, and Books are. The subject matter of the games can be specifically for adults, just as the other entertainment mediums are. This is the case of Manhunt 2. Adults in the end have the right to choose whether or not they want to purchase this game because of it’s content, just as adults had the choice to go see Hostel 2 when it came out in movie theaters two weeks ago which has visuals and content that some adults couldn’t even handle. With Manhunt 2, it seems just because the medium is a video game, that adult topics and content are taboo and don’t belong on such a medium.
The thing is though that not everyone can detach themselves from such an experience, releasing a game of such extrodinarily violent proportions into a population where not everyone has self control is plain stupid.
IMO any other adults that complain about things like this should grow up, besides this doesn’t stop you buying on the net from America.
This isnt buying it in America or any other area. This is about the fact that they are refusing to let ADULTS decide what they should and should not watch / do. Its a parents fault if their child plays this game not the company’s fault. Parents just want somebody to blame for thier short comings.
The movies Hostile and Saw 3 are just as bad as this game so why not ban them?
I don’t know what to say.. grow up BBFC