Jack Thompson calls Manhunt 2 Wii a murder training device, Florida lawyer agrees

M-rated games coming to the Wii are expected to be criticized and contested. Manhunt 2, in particular, is receiving much word from anti-game lawyers. In an interview by Fox News, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum talked about the game’s Wii version requiring players to slash and stab using the Wiimote.

When talking about violent video games and lawyers, it’s almost inevitable to include Jack Thompson‘s name. This time, he’s the one who sparked the issue by sending a letter to McCollum and Florida Governor Charlie Crist. The letter said:

Florida retailers are scheduled to sell a very violent video game called Manhunt 2 which will be available, remarkably, for “play” on the kids-friendly Nintendo Wii gaming platform. The Wii device does not utilize traditional push button game controllers but instead utilizes hand-held motion capture devices… It is a training device.

Let’s not go into the idea that JT is looking for backup on his endeavors. Crist still haven’t taken a position, but McCollum took the story. The interview with him expressing concerns is expected to be aired sometime before Manhunt 2‘s July 9 release.

Like what he did with Bully, Thompson is already suggesting beforehand that the game be considered public nuisance. How he contests a game he probably knows nothing about aside from a few screenshots and videos, we may never know. Heck, it’s not even out yet – same reason why his attempts against Bully failed. Who knows if a harmless game like Trauma Center would have doctors poking each other’s eyes out if nobody played it yet?

Meanwhile, McCollum’s office took notice of the fuzz. His Press Secretary sent Game Politics a letter that read:

Attorney General Bill McCollum is concerned about any games which may instill violence in children, particularly games that encourage children to engage in violent behavior, even in simulation. He believes it is important to help protect children from influences which may introduce violence into their lives and stresses the importance of parental involvement in the efforts to keep these influences out of our homes and away from our families.

Looks like Super Smash Brothers Brawl will take some heat too, since it encourages kids to beat the crap out of their friends and throw them out the stage. Nintendo is not fazed, stating that games simply have different audiences just like movies, televisions, and books. Don’t let the kids touch Manhunt 2, problem solved.

Via Game Politics

M-rated games coming to the Wii are expected to be criticized and contested. Manhunt 2, in particular, is receiving much word from anti-game lawyers. In an interview by Fox News, Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum talked about the game’s Wii version requiring players to slash and stab using the Wiimote.

When talking about violent video games and lawyers, it’s almost inevitable to include Jack Thompson‘s name. This time, he’s the one who sparked the issue by sending a letter to McCollum and Florida Governor Charlie Crist. The letter said:

Florida retailers are scheduled to sell a very violent video game called Manhunt 2 which will be available, remarkably, for “play” on the kids-friendly Nintendo Wii gaming platform. The Wii device does not utilize traditional push button game controllers but instead utilizes hand-held motion capture devices… It is a training device.

Let’s not go into the idea that JT is looking for backup on his endeavors. Crist still haven’t taken a position, but McCollum took the story. The interview with him expressing concerns is expected to be aired sometime before Manhunt 2‘s July 9 release.

Like what he did with Bully, Thompson is already suggesting beforehand that the game be considered public nuisance. How he contests a game he probably knows nothing about aside from a few screenshots and videos, we may never know. Heck, it’s not even out yet – same reason why his attempts against Bully failed. Who knows if a harmless game like Trauma Center would have doctors poking each other’s eyes out if nobody played it yet?

Meanwhile, McCollum’s office took notice of the fuzz. His Press Secretary sent Game Politics a letter that read:

Attorney General Bill McCollum is concerned about any games which may instill violence in children, particularly games that encourage children to engage in violent behavior, even in simulation. He believes it is important to help protect children from influences which may introduce violence into their lives and stresses the importance of parental involvement in the efforts to keep these influences out of our homes and away from our families.

Looks like Super Smash Brothers Brawl will take some heat too, since it encourages kids to beat the crap out of their friends and throw them out the stage. Nintendo is not fazed, stating that games simply have different audiences just like movies, televisions, and books. Don’t let the kids touch Manhunt 2, problem solved.

Via Game Politics