Gamernode: News - UK judge blocks sale of Manhunt 2 (again)

UK judge blocks sale of Manhunt 2 (again)

Category: PlayStation 2, Posted: 01/27/2008 at 02:42PM CST by Brendon Lindsey, Editor-in-Chief

Just when you hoped the world was done with the Manhunt 2 drama...

On Friday, the UK once again blocked sale of Rockstar's Manhunt 2. Last month, you may remember the Video Appeals Committee lifted the ban at the request of Rockstar, and awarded the game an 18 certificate (meaning you have to be at least 18 to purchase it). Their conclusion? It was unlikely to cause harm to children or adults who happen to play it.

Now, a High Court judge in London deemed the VAC decision fatally flawed by "a clear error of law" when it came to their determination that the game didn't cause harm. Why? Because despite the 18 rating, children might still get access to the game.

During the hearing, the British Board of Film Censors also expressed displeasure at the VAC decision, saying that their overturning of the BBFC ruling could have serious implications for their watchdog role "not only in relation to video games, but generally."

Why didn't anyone think of the BBFC during this whole fiasco? Come on, VAC! Your use of common sense and, you know, the law, might have damaged the BBFC's role as watchdog for the British populace! For shame, you greedy bastards. For shame.

On the bright side, UK gamers, I have played Manhunt 2, and I can assure you that you are not missing anything worth your time.

[via Scotsman.com]

Posted by Lopez on 01/27/2008 at 03:20PM

Surely, by saying this, the judge should ban every game that is not suitable for all. You know, the kids might still be able to play the sims when their parents aren't home.

Posted by bu11eTJuNkiE on 01/27/2008 at 03:42PM

No point in living if you live scared. I'm glad i live in the US even if it doesn't seem it sometimes.

Posted by AydenV2 on 01/27/2008 at 05:40PM

I hope Saw 4 gets banned, oh wait, it wont. Movies like Saw 4 never get watched by children, Right? ...

Posted by edb87 on 01/27/2008 at 08:32PM

Now that it's been out for a while, is the judge barring it because of the violence again, or because it sucks so bad?

Posted by ninjalegend on 01/27/2008 at 11:05PM

Exactly, bu11eTJuNkiE. The question is, where do you stop? Movies, kids can get their hands on those. Magazines. Should using foul language be illegal? What if the kid repeats it. How about women who wear revealing clothing? Books like les miserables are not only violent, but the antagonist is involved in rebellion. Should a book by the man who the Hugo Award is named after also be banned? It is violent, and the main character is a rebel.

Posted by bluseychris on 01/28/2008 at 12:21AM

"Surely, by saying this, the judge should ban every game that is not suitable for all. "

1. The game isn't banned over here, it's banned from sale. You can't sell the game in the UK and that's as far as the law goes. I can happily get it from outside the UK and bring it in, give it to someone, play it, stuff it up the arse of a sheep.

2. The BBFC had to appeal specifically to the judge once the VAC had passed their ruling. Rule of thumb, videos get tougher ratings than cinema release, games get tougher ratings than videos. Also, as this would of been done in court, the judge would of had to see/play the game itself as evidence.

3. What, in my opinion, should have been done: The issuing of an R18 certificate, basically you can sell the game but you need a license to do so.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motion_picture_rating_system#United_Kingdom

That's the current rating system, though they should bring back the X rating, over 21 only.

Posted by jedipoodoo547 on 01/28/2008 at 05:44AM

This would only matter if the game was not a total piece of crap! This game is getting more publicity then it should imho.

Posted by vincian on 01/28/2008 at 08:22AM

This game is such a paradox... to paraphrase Yatzee:

it's a game that 12-year-olds arn't allowed to play, but it's only 12-year-olds who are into this kind of drivel.