Rockstar has, for now at least, drawn a line under the ongoing Manhunt 2 saga by announcing that it is to ‘temporarily suspend’ the release of the game whilst it re-evaluates its options.

A statement from parent company Take 2 read: “Take 2 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.”

Take 2 chairman Strauss Zelnick added: “We firmly believe that parents and consumers, once informed as to the nature of any entertainment product, should be able to make their own choices.

“I have reviewed Manhunt 2 myself. It fits squarely within the horror genre and was intended to do so. It brings a unique, formerly unheard-of cinematic quality to interactive entertainment. It is also a fine piece of art. I stand behind it fully.”

The move follows the recent UK ban imposed by the British Board of Film Classification and ‘Adult Only’ rating given to the title by the ESRB in the US – which subsequently led to all three platform holders stating that they would not grant the game a licence.

Although it was initially due out next month, and Rockstar may decide to re-work the title to appease the concerns raised by regulators.