Oct 8, 2007

After its already massively controversial Manhunt 2 was refused certification for a second time by the BBFC today, Rockstar is - as you'd expect - a bit peeved at the decision and the publisher has made it pretty clear that it isn't prepared to make further edits in order to appease the censors.

A statement released by Rockstar reads: "We are continuing to appeal the British Board of Film Classification's (BBFC) decision to deny the edited version of "Manhunt 2" an 18+ certificate and thereby ban its release in the United Kingdom. The changes necessary in order to publish the game in Britain are unacceptable to us and represent a setback for video games. The BBFC allows adults the freedom to decide for themselves when it comes to horror in movies and we think adults should be similarly allowed to decide for themselves when it comes to horror in video games, such as Manhunt 2."

GamesRadar spoke to a BBFC representative to find out what additional changes Rockstar would have to make in order for the game to be awarded a certification. And while not able to reveal specifics, we were told that the bottom line would mean Rockstar "toning down the toned down version even more."

So, with Rockstar seemingly reluctant to make further diluting changes to its original vision, will UK gamers ever get to buy, own and play Manhunt 2 without fear of being spanked by the law?

Well, everything now seems to rest on the decision of an upcoming Video Appeals Committee hearing  - if after considering arguments from both the BBFC and Rockstar the VAC moves in favour of the latter, then it has the power to overturn the current ban.

Will it, won't it? Place your bets now... (as long as you are above the legal gambling age, of course)