ESRB OKs Manhunt 2 for Release in the US

But what does that mean for the UK and Europe?

They say there's no such thing as bad publicity, an aphorism Rockstar is, once again, going to put to the test.

After having its new game Manhunt 2 slammed by ratings boards the world over, the company has now confirmed that the ESRB, the US regulators, have given the thumbs up for the game to be released with an M classification - restricting the sales of the game to people over 17 years old - with content desciptors for, "Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content and Use of Drugs".

"Manhunt 2 is important to us, and we're glad it can finally be appreciated as a gaming experience," Rockstar's Sam Houser said in a statement. The game will now be released for Wii, PSP and PlayStation 2 on 31 October.

The fate of Manhunt 2 in the UK, however, is still very much in question.

Earlier this month Rockstar confirmed that it would appeal the decision by the British Board For Film Classification to not rate the game, which effectively banned it by making it illegal to sell the game anywhere in the UK.

Manhunt 2, which had been for release in July, tells the story of a doctor at any asylum who becomes ensnared in clandestine research. The game was rejected by the BBFC for its "unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone", a move that was quickly echoed by the ESRB in the US and other ratings boards around the world.

We contacted Rockstar to find out what, if anything, the ESRB's decision means for the approval of Manhunt 2's release in the UK but could the company did not respond.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo