The latest controversy encircling Manhunt 2 seems coming down as a curse for the developing firm. Earlier, the game was censored in UK and adjacent region while US mulling the issue. Even Sony and Nintendo has refuted its arrival to their respective platforms to which the title was about to ship.
Rating given to the title is another issue that has aired the monster of controversy, and has given a hike to Rockstar’s problems. ESRB has rated the game with Adult Only (AO but critics overlook the rating; even console manufacturers are eschewing the arrival of Manhunt 2 on their respective consoles. They say that they don’t allow AO rated content on their platforms, and most retailers won’t stock any AO titles either.
Now, GameSpot reoprst that Manhunt 2 will miss its initial July 10th release date. Take-Two has decided to holdup the release in the wake of bannings taken place in different regions and ESRB rating of Adults Only (AO).
Here is what a Take-Two representative has to say:
Take-Two Interactive Software has temporarily suspended plans to distribute Manhunt 2 for the Wii or PlayStation platforms while it reviews its options with regard to the recent decisions made by the BBFC and ESRB. We continue to stand behind this extraordinary game. We believe in freedom of creative expression, as well as responsible marketing, both of which are essential to our business of making great entertainment.
BBFC that rates some videogames as well, has refused to rate Manhunt 2 and banned sales of the title in the UK. Retail giants like Wal-Mart and Target won’t be retailing the game because they maintain policies strictly prohibiting the sale of AO-rated software. Let’s see what few ways out that developing team can adopt in order to steer-clear the great mayhem:
• Both Take-Two and developer Rockstar must contest the bans and rating
• Tone down the content to “M” (Mature) level
• Cancel the game altogether
Though, both the last options are inappropriate, because if Rockstar brings some significant changes to the game, the loses all its essence, considerably, and there lies no reason for dropping the game.
So let’s wait for some more happening weeks as the developer finds any better way out.
Via: arstechnica
