A story that we have followed since the beginning is that of Rockstar Games’ battle with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). The long fought legal battle shadowed over the permission to release Manhunt 2 in the UK for the PSP, PS2, and Wii gaming platforms.
To put an end to all of this controversy today the Video Appeals Committee (VAC) has upheld the High Court decision to dispute against the BBFC’s refusal to issue Manhunt 2 with a rating in the UK. Through the VAC the BBFC must now give the title a rating of “18”, allowing it to be released in the region.
In a regretful statement, BBFC’s Director, David Cooke said:
“As I have said previously, we never take rejection decisions lightly, and they always involve a complex balance of considerations. We twice rejected Manhunt 2, and then pursued a judicial review challenge, because we considered, after exceptionally thorough examination, that it posed a real potential harm risk.
“However, the Video Appeals Committee has again exercised its independent scrutiny. It is now clear, in the light of this decision, and our legal advice, that we have no alternative but to issue an ‘18’ certificate to the game.”
Looks like the videogame industry has won yet again. Indeed, eventually society is just going to have to get used to the creative art of interactive storytelling that the videogame industry provides. For a full scoop on how this story developed straight from the beginning, here is a little refresher:
Manhunt 2 edit rejected by BBFC
Rockstar responds to BBFC Manhunt 2 ban
Manhunt 2 edit not neutered, says Rockstar
Manhunt 2 stirs yet more controversy
Rockstar wins appeal against BBFC
Keep an eye out for PSU’s upcoming feature about censorship in videogames in the near future.