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Rockstar Appeals British Ban on Manhunt 2

Posted by Zonk on from the we're-not-dead-yet dept.

1up is reporting (via MCV) that Rockstar has decided to appeal the BBFC ruling on their uber-violent Manhunt 2 title. The 'next step' is to get a hearing scheduled, which will allow the game to be demo'd and arguments given. "Rockstar Games had been given six weeks to appeal the decision, and with that opportunity about to expire, the company lodged its formal appeal yesterday ... The appeal was filed with the Video Appeals Committee, which can overturn the BBFC decision. As noted in our first article about the ban, the VAC overturned the BBFC's ban of Carmageddon back in 1997, giving Rockstar a glimmer of hope in its current situation."

3 of 56 comments (clear)

  1. Interesting... by MeanderingMind · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I'm wondering what the arguments are going to be. Any bets on more Ebert-esque debates on the status of video games as art?

    --
    Thunderclone: ONE MAN ENTERS! TWO MEN LEAVE! ONE MAN ENTERS! TWO MEN LEAVE!
    1. Re:Interesting... by DocSavage64109 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Do they even have laws protecting free speech in England? As bad as the U.S. seems to be getting, at least Manhunt 2 is legal here. I just wish various nice European cars were legal here as well.

    2. Re:Interesting... by Kelbear · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Given what the first Manhunt was like, the debate will be pretty short. Manhunt kinda...sucked. Snuff-film violence for the sake of violence is no substitute for interesting gameplay. It was similar to Splintercell in that stealth was emphasized, and nothing like Splinter Cell in that the elements composing the gameplay were heavily dumbed down or not included. The major feature was a "grainy" filter when doing an execution, as seen from the spectating audience.

      Some might be fascinated by the violence at first, but most will get bored of recycling the same tired animations and notice that the game is repetitive. Gamers like good gameplay, and the violence fails to cover up Manhunt's lacking gameplay.

      Games can be art I would say. Games aren't necessarily art. Pictures can be pr0n or Mona Lisa. Text can be "_____ For Dummies!" or deathless prose. Comics can range from "Archie" to "The Watchmen" or "V for Vendetta". It's just a medium, the substance being borne by that medium is how the end result will distinguish itself.

      This game doesn't really have a place in such a discussion.