It’s been a while since the video games industry has been hit with an outright ban of a game - 10 years in fact, for Britain. Even the Grand Theft Auto buzz a few years ago about the hidden sex level never garnered the complete removal of the game from store shelves. But that’s just what happened with Manhunt 2, another game by Rockstar (from the good ‘ole folks that brought us GTA) which was scheduled to be released next month. Unfortunately for the violence-obsessed company, the British Board of Film Classification said “No way” to the game, in which the main object is senseless killing. What does this mean for all those British 11-year-olds? They ain’t getting it - at all. A no go from the BBFC means that it’s illegal to sell the product in Britain (it’s the first time in 10 years they’ve given out such a rating).

Now, I think the game’s utterly pointless and stupid, and would never consider buying a piece of crap like Manhunt 2. But is banning it the right thing to do? Here in the US, the rating systems have a fail-safe: an X rating for the movie industry, or an “Adults Only” rating for video games. Getting one of those stamped on your box basically means you’ll only be able to get it from online porn shops or a bootleg copy on eBay. It’s as good as killing the game’s sales, but preserves that whole free speech thing. Do the British not have an equivalent rating?

Tell us what you think - did the BBFC do the right thing with their decision?

via Guardian Unlimited

Bully was also kind of banned: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6063502.stm

At any rate, I think this is completely garbage. Who are the British board of whatever to tell people what they can and can’t buy? I view this as an infringement of basic rights, basically big brother is saying “This game is too violent for you.” it’s utter nonsense, really.

-Betta

And why do you think Manhunt is a piece of crap? The first game was quite good with an interesting political message as well. Ironically, it parodied America’s lust for violence.