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Sony and Nintendo block US Manhunt 2 release

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Sony and Nintendo block US Manhunt 2 release

Platform holders refuse licence for any Adult Only game on their systems, effectively banning Rockstar title from US release

Rockstar’s controversial Manhunt 2 appeared to have received a slight reprieve yesterday after US games body the ESRB granted the game an AO licence – but now both Sony and Nintendo have stepped forward to say that that game will not be appearing on their consoles after all.

GameSpot’s Brendan Sinclair reports that both Sony and Nintendo have policies that prevent AO rated games appearing on their systems in the US. And any hope that Microsoft could step in to aid the title were also dashed with the firm confirming that it too would not allow an AO rated title on 360.

“It's currently our policy not to allow the playback of AO-rated content on our systems,” a Sony spokesperson told GameSpot.

A Nintendo spokesperson added: “As stated on Nintendo.com, Nintendo does not allow any AO-rated content on its systems. Games made for Nintendo systems enjoy a broad variety of styles, genres, and ratings. These are some of the reasons our Wii and Nintendo DS systems appeal to such a broad range of people.

“But as with books, television, and movies, different content is meant for different audiences. That's why the ESRB provides ratings to help consumers understand the content of a game before they purchase it.”

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The game’s originally scheduled US release date of July 10th now seems almost certainly to be cancelled.

Ridiculous

posted by Italoe Jun 21, 2007 at 4:24 pm
1

This is just stupid, to prohibit a game like that while we have so many movies and games like medal of honor, battlefield, command e conquer, to name a few, that are all about some kind of war, while war itself (in games or real life) are all about killing each other. It just shows how misleaded are the people behind those decisions, if this continue the game market will suffer grealy, as it is already so misonceptualizd by some old people who does not know what enternainment is all about

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Right choice for Nintendo

posted by scottmpamp Jun 21, 2007 at 4:29 pm
2

Do not believe the game should be banned altogether, but do think Nintendo have made the right decision.
Although they have been derided for being a "kids console" in the past (Gamecube etc), I think allowing such a game on a console such as the Wii, which owes much of it's success to the "new" casual family gamers, such a game could do more harm than good on such a console. Especially at this stage of it's cycle.

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OK

posted by LtCm_Data Jun 21, 2007 at 5:14 pm
3

Yeah, OK, I can see why Nintendo might have gotten cold feet. But modern, 'edgy' Sony? I just think this whole thing is a stupid joke, with Rockstar the poor sods on the receiving end. the whole industry has done them over good and proper. It's like GTA never happened. I mean, after all, where the whole industry be now were it not for GTA? All forgotten, now though. Such a massive shame.

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intrest

posted by LordVader Jun 21, 2007 at 5:15 pm
4

ive had more peple askin about it this week. guess rockstr no how to get sum attention

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Don't be stupid

posted by Dhalsim Jun 21, 2007 at 5:18 pm
5

Oh come on - so Rockstar have engineered this whole situation to increase sales of Manhunt 2 have they? Oh, hold on, there's a problem there - IT'S NOT BEING RELEASED. Pleb. Either way, it's all a massive joke. And elspa should have known better. What happens when the BBFC steps up to the plate next time? What if they try and ban GTAIV? Are elspa gonna stand by and watch the single biggest next-gen game ever miss uk retail? i somehow doubt it.

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re-submit

posted by lapetitemo Jun 21, 2007 at 8:15 pm
6

maybe its just me but no-one has said the game has been banned like all forms of media submitted for classification they always have the opportunity to edit and resubmit which if rockstar have any sense they will do.

and more than likely later on down the line the same will happen with manhunt 2 as what did with carmageddon some "hot coffee" style code or patch will get leaked on the internet and all the stuff that was edited out will be back in the game.

personally like a lot of you on here i see this as nothing more than media hype and well congrats rockstar as usual its working.

but if worst comes to worst and it doesn't get released all the classification bodies will have failed there jobs because it will just end up getting pirated like the unreleased thrill kill.

which not only means rockstar lose the development costs sony nor nintendo will make any money on it and not one legitimate games retailer will make any money on this title.

but the biggest problem is by not allowing a legitimate release with an age rating they are giving up all control over who gets hold of a copy since no matter how much we hate piracy its easier now then ever and with all the media hype created anyone that really wants this game is going to be able to get hold of a copy.

so in closing i'm looking forward to the christmas release of manhunt 2 on ps2, wii and more than likely by then xbox360 and possibly ps3 (six months is enough time to port the game to both consoles i think).

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this so fucking stupid

posted by Ricardo Hernandez Jul 10, 2007 at 10:43 am
7
Ricardo Hernandez

this so stupid politics need to back of and leave games alone they love fucking things up for everyone just because it got an AO rating people have common sense to buy it or not they are voilating the right of freedom of expression

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Absolutely Ridiculous

posted by Jamie Jul 16, 2007 at 9:09 pm
8
Jamie

This is ridiculous, there are games and movies out there that are just as bad e.g Hostel, Hostel 2. Now these films don't get banned they get an 18 rating, why cant they just do that for Manhunt 2? Such a shame as Rockstar do the best games on the market.

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ubqnfylha ndrb

posted by gmsfv ofcqrv Jul 23, 2007 at 1:37 am
9
gmsfv ofcqrv

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Re: ubqnfylha ndrb

posted by monkey Aug 16, 2007 at 3:41 am
10
monkey

great site, for Thanks the keep stuff, cool it up. ,

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Re: fuk dis

posted by gamer 101 Mar 26, 2008 at 6:13 pm
11
gamer 101

u no wot fuk dis ****
how can children access this stuff its jus fukin stupid u no
stupid bbfc can go fuk demselves

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