BBFC Rejects Manhunt 2 [UPDATE] News

It seems as though Rockstar won't be able to court the controversy it was probably expecting with Manhunt 2, with confirmaiton that the game has been refused a rating by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), making it illegal to be supplied across the UK.

Currently classified as "Rejected" by the BBFC earlier today, the move is virtually unheard of in the past with the only other videogame example coming from SCi's controversial 1997 title Carmageddon. That decision was overturned, so it seems inevitable that Rockstar Games will follow suit and appeal the decision. In the case that they're not successful, the concern for Rockstar Games is that the BBFC has apparently ruled out the possibility of changes or modifications to the game to attain a rating, because the offending themes run throughout the entire game.

Amidst a rise in "gornographic" films such as Saw and Hostel the decision is likely to spark a renewed debate on the differences between films and videogames; however, the overriding factor appears to stem from the interactivity of videogames and the fact that scenes are shown in their graphic entirety as opposed to film directors technique of insinuation.

The BBFC issued the following statement regarding the decision:

"Rejecting a work is a very serious action and one which we do not take lightly. Where possible we try to consider cuts or, in the case of games, modifications which remove the material which contravenes the Board's published Guidelines. In the case of Manhunt 2 this has not been possible. Manhunt 2 is distinguishable from recent high-end video games by its unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone in an overall game context which constantly encourages visceral killing with exceptionally little alleviation or distancing. There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game.

"Although the difference should not be exaggerated the fact of the game's unrelenting focus on stalking and brutal slaying and the sheer lack of alternative pleasures on offer to the gamer, together with the different overall narrative context, contribute towards differentiating this submission from the original Manhunt game. That work was classified '18' in 2003, before the BBFC's recent games research had been undertaken, but was already at the very top end of what the Board judged to be acceptable at that category."

"Against this background, the Board's carefully considered view is that to issue a certificate to Manhunt 2, on either platform, would involve a range of unjustifiable harm risks, to both adults and minors, within the terms of the Video Recordings Act, and accordingly that its availability, even if statutorily confined to adults, would be unacceptable to the public."

Since the decision, ELSPA have waded into the debate with praise for the rating system that governs videogames in the UK. Paul Jackson Director General commented, "A decision from the BBFC such as this demonstrates that we have a games ratings system in the UK that is effective. It shows it works and works well. Any decision the BBFC takes, it takes on the basis of its remit to rate on screen entertainment.

"The games industry is a creative phenomenon that produces all kinds of games across all kinds of genres that appeal to all kinds of people across the country, young and old, male and female. The important thing to know is that all games are rated according to age suitability, with over 70 per cent of games being available to all ages over three years."

TVG has contacted Rockstar Games for a response, but has yet to receive a reply - keep an eye out for an update soon...