BBFC Looks to Courts to Stop Manhunt 2
British ratings board unhappy with the verdict recently passed down in Rockstar's favour.
The Video Appeals Committee recently decided in favour of Manhunt 2, saying that Rockstar's controversial game should be classified in the UK, clearing the path to release. But the BBFC, the British ratings body, now says that it will fight the decision.
In a statement on Monday, the British Board of Film Classification said it would seek a judicial review of the VACs overturning of an earlier BBFC decision to reject Manhunt 2, banning its sale in the UK.
The BBFC says it is contesting the ruling because the VAC has made "an incorrect interpretation" of the Video Recordings Act because the verdict was based on the approach to harm.
"The VAC judgement, if allowed to stand, would have fundamental implications with regard to all the Board's decisions, including those turning upon questions of unacceptable levels of violence," the statement reads.
Manhunt 2 came in for criticism from ratings boards around the world over the summer. The BBFC twice rejected it, noting the game's callous tone.
In the US, an edited version of the game was recently rated and released, to middling reviews.
We contacted Rockstar for comment on this story but representatives did not get back to us.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo
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