Rockstar upset by Manhunt ban

Rockstar Games has stated its disappointment at the BBFC's recent decision to refuse Manhunt 2 a rating in the UK, effectively banning the game from sale, GamesIndustry.biz reports.

The Grand Theft Auto and Canis Canem Edit publisher disagrees with the ratings board's decision and believes adult consumers should be allowed to make up their own minds about the content of any game.

"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," reads a statement from the company.

"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."

The BBFC said it would not give Manhunt 2 a rating on the grounds that "to issue a certificate would involve a range of unjustifiable risks, to both adults and minors".

The Rockstar statement continues: "We respect those who have different opinions about the horror genre and videogames 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 videogames 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."