Manhunt 2 will be sold in UK

Censorship saga finally comes to an end

14 March 2008 16:28 GMT / By Katie Scott

It seems to have been banned about a million times in a ferocious battle between game developer, Rockstar Games and UK censors, but it has today been confirmed that Manhunt 2 is to be sold in the UK.

A ban set by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has now been lifted and an edited version of the game will be released with an 18 certificate.

The final decision was made by the Video Appeals Committee, who decided to uphold its earlier decision that the game could be sold.

This was countered by the BBFC which has fought the release of the game for 9 months, even taking the battle to the High Court.

Following on from this latest, and final decision, David Cooke, director of the BBFC said: "As I have said previously, we never take rejection decisions lightly, and they always involve a complex balance of considerations".

"We twice rejected Manhunt 2, and then pursued a judicial review challenge, because we considered, after exceptionally thorough examination, that it posed a real potential harm risk."

"However, the Video Appeals Committee has again exercised its independent scrutiny. It is now clear, in the light of this decision, and our legal advice, that we have no alternative but to issue an 18 certificate to the game."

Developers Rockstar Games said: "We are pleased that the VAC has reaffirmed its decision recognizing that Manhunt 2 is well within the bounds established by other 18+ rated entertainment".

We should have an exact UK release date for all of you gore merchants soon.