BBFC: Still no proof that games are to blame for violence

In light of Manhunt 2’s (Wii, Sony PlayStation Portable) hearing to have it cleared for sale in the United Kingdom, the BBFC admitted through its representative Andrew Calderott that there’s no proven link between violent video games and violent behavior. This could be a sign that gamers and developers may get their way after all, despite the efforts of some to block some major releases.

Rockstar Games and Manhunt 2 (Wii, Sony PlayStation Portable) might have won a small battle in its on-going case in the UK. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has admitted that there’s nothing to suggest that video games should be linked to anti-social and violent behavior.

“The board’s position is that there is insufficient evidence to prove, as a fact, there is a causal connection between violent games and behavioural harm,” says Andrew Calderott, Director of the BBFC.

“It’s a perfectly fair point, and one which we accept,” continues Calderott. “But it’s not by any means a complete answer to the question the [Video Appeals Committee] has to decide.”

The BBFC director, however, maintained that more proof is needed to establish that video games do not induce violent behavior in people. He also noted that movies and video games are two very different areas of censorship which require different approaches.

Manhunt 2 was banned in the UK and given an Adults Only (AO) rating in the U.S., prompting developer Rockstar to make revisions before launching the game again.

Gaming violence has been a subject of debate for years now, with those on the conservative side pushing for firmer censorship on violent content. Game companies, however, have mostly got their way despite efforts to block some major releases.