Manhunt 2

GFB writes: There have been murmurs about ManHunt 3 since the highly controversial release of ManHunt 2 for the Wii and PS2. Now it appears the most recent rumor out of Rockstar's parent company TakeTwo is that we can expect an announcement this summer. From what we're being told, the game will be PS3 exclusive and utilize the Playstation 3's upcoming Move add-on. It definitely makes sense since the PS3 would be a perfect fit for the ManHunt sequel. And with the rumored plan to use the Move hardware, the latest version could give PS3 gamer's the functionality that was available in the Wii version of ManHunt 2.

Rockstar Games confirmed that the releaseschedules from local distributors are correct. This friday Manhunt 2 will finally be released in liberal Holland and the rest of Europe. Manhunt 2 will be available on Wii, PSP and PS2. The game was delayed for a long time a caused all kinds of discussion due to its explicit content. The BBFC has been under heavy critique from media and government, and the Byron report - following the Manhunt 2 release - caused lots of discussion once again. What the future holds for the BBFC is yet unknown, but Manhunt 2 will see daylight next friday. The game will be available for €39,99 on Wii and PS2 and for €29,99 on PSP.

Matt Wales of IGN writes: Via a slip of innocuous paper and a frankly terrifying promotional gimp mask, Rockstar has revealed to IGN that its oft-delayed Manhunt 2 is finally set to release on Wii, PS2 and PSP in the UK on October 31.

Videogame makers and shops have two years to come up with a widely accepted industry code of conduct to better protect children from violent images, the European Union's executive body said on Tuesday.

Manhunt 2, which had been banned in the UK last year, has now been given permission for release in June after an appeal by Rockstar Games. Part of the defence used by Rockstar is that although the game is violent and is about committing murder it is no more violent than a Tarantino film. If I am watching a film and one character tortures another, it is the writer and director who are choosing to do the maiming. If I am controlling the character, then it's my choice to torture or not. I'm no psychologist, but that has to have a much bigger impact.

A Kent MP has slammed a decision by the Video Appeals Committee to overturn a ban on the controversial video game Manhunt 2. It's the latest in a series of setbacks in Canterbury and Whitstable MP Julian Brazier's campaign to overhaul the process for deciding age certificates for films, DVDs and video games.

MCV reports that whilst Manhunt 2 has finally been cleared for release, its convoluted journey to retail has exposed the inherent problems with the current games classification system, say commentators. And now, ahead of Dr. Tanya Byron's report on video game classification, the future of the BBFC as a viable option for games classification has been thrown into doubt.

GamesIndustry.Biz reports that following the earlier news that Video Appeals Committee had reaffirmed its decision regarding the release of Manhunt 2, and the BBFC's admission that further action on its part was likely to yield realistic results, Rockstar is now working towards a new release date for the title in the UK. The version of the game to be released in the UK has been confirmed as the same one currently available in the US under a Mature rating - the version which was rejected by the BBFC the second time around. A Rockstar spokesperson told GamesIndustry.biz that due to the news of the VAC's decision only breaking earlier today, no official decision had yet been made on a release date, but discussions were expected to take place shortly.

GamesIndustry.Biz reports that the UK government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport has told GamesIndustry.biz that it has no plans at the moment to intervene in the planned release of Manhunt 2 in the UK. The classification of Manhunt 2 is a matter for the BBFC and the Video Appeals Committee, said a spokesperson, after today's news that the VAC had reaffirmed its decision to back Rockstar in an appeal over the BBFC's refusal to certify the game. It is important to note that there is no conclusive evidence of any link between playing computer games and violent behaviour in real life, the spokesperson continued. Our concern is to make sure that inappropriate material is kept away from children.

Rockstar's Manhunt 2 has finally been granted a UK release after a lengthy legal battle with the British Board of Film Classification.