It’s official: Target cuts Manhunt 2 from shelves

A Target representative has send out word that they will no longer be carry Manhunt 2 for the PSP, PS2, or Wii consoles.  This news confirms repeated speculation of Target’s planned pullout.

The representative also explained that while Target normally carried M-rated titles on its store shelves, Manhunt 2‘s predicament was different in that a recent hack enabled users to view part of the original AO version’s content. More details on Target’s announcement are available in the full article.

We’ve heard it from the rumor mills, and we’ve heard it from an employee. And now, we’ll be hearing it straight from the horse’s mouth. Target has just come out with an official statement announcing that Manhunt 2 from Rockstar for the Sony PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo Wii will no longer be available on their store shelves.

A representative from the retailer explained one major reason for Target’s decision to pull out the game was because of the recently discovered censor hack for Manhunt 2‘s PSP port. Here reads the representative’s statement:

All video games and computer software sold at Target currently carry ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board — from early childhood through mature audiences. While Manhunt 2 was given a Mature rating by the ESRB, we received additional information that players can potentially view previously filtered content by altering the game code. As a result, we have decided not to carry the game.

In line with this news, Target has reportedly sent memos out to their store branches to stop selling the game, and to refuse any future deliveries of the game on any of its platforms.

Via ABC News