Rockstar writes back in defense of Manhunt 2

Ever since Manhunt 2 (PSP, Wii) was refused a rating by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), its producer Rockstar Games has been fighting on all fronts to defend its game and  the company itself against unfair criticism. In reaction to an article posted last month by Rob Fahey of GamesIndustry.biz, Rockstar wrote back to voice out its opinion on Fahey’s support for banning the game and on the controversy surrounding its video game.

Rockstar defended the gore in Manhunt 2 on the grounds that with the average gamer aging around 30 or so, its players are mature enough to define the lines between reality and fiction, much like the way they do when confronted with gore in other forms of media.

Rockstar also said that banning the game does not help the video game industry improve itself. Rather, it defeats the purpose by denying people “the chance to consider, experience, or discuss the actual game.” It also believed that “A ban is only likely to encourage those who believe video games, already the most regulated medium in entertainment history, should be further restricted.” That kind of rigidity would spell death for any creative endeavor.

Manhunt 2 is the second game to be banned in this fashion in the UK. The last game to experience this was Carmageddon way back in 1997, although its developers were able to successfully appeal the decision. With a situation like this one, we do have to ask the question: Did Rockstar really step over the line or are the media boards just overreacting?

Rockstar’s full letter on GamesIndustry.biz can be found on the Read link.

Ever since Manhunt 2 (PSP, Wii) was refused a rating by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), its producer Rockstar Games has been fighting on all fronts to defend its game and  the company itself against unfair criticism. In reaction to an article posted last month by Rob Fahey of GamesIndustry.biz, Rockstar wrote back to voice out its opinion on Fahey’s support for banning the game and on the controversy surrounding its video game.

Rockstar defended the gore in Manhunt 2 on the grounds that with the average gamer aging around 30 or so, its players are mature enough to define the lines between reality and fiction, much like the way they do when confronted with gore in other forms of media.

Rockstar also said that banning the game does not help the video game industry improve itself. Rather, it defeats the purpose by denying people “the chance to consider, experience, or discuss the actual game.” It also believed that “A ban is only likely to encourage those who believe video games, already the most regulated medium in entertainment history, should be further restricted.” That kind of rigidity would spell death for any creative endeavor.

Manhunt 2 is the second game to be banned in this fashion in the UK. The last game to experience this was Carmageddon way back in 1997, although its developers were able to successfully appeal the decision. With a situation like this one, we do have to ask the question: Did Rockstar really step over the line or are the media boards just overreacting?

Rockstar’s full letter on GamesIndustry.biz can be found on the Read link.