BRUTAL & SADISTIC ; UK Censors Ban Scottish Firm's Violent Video Game

Jun 20, 01:39 AM

Current Headlines: By Lynn Davidson

A VIOLENT video game sequel made by Scots firm Rockstar North has been banned in Britain.

Manhunt 2 has been rejected by the British Board of Film Classification on the grounds of its "casual sadism" and "unrelenting focus on stalking and brutal slaying".

The BBFC said the game "constantly encourages visceral killing".

It is the first video game to be banned in Britain for 10 years.

Edinburgh's Rockstar also created the Grand Theft Auto series, which has sold more than 35million copies worldwide, earning well over pounds 1billion.

The ruling means the new game cannot be legally supplied anywhere in the UK. It is not illegal to own a copy bought abroad however.

The BBFC said giving it a certificate "would involve a range of unjustifiable harmrisks to both adults and minors".

Director David Cookes said: "Rejecting a work is a very serious action and one which we do not take lightly. Where possible we try to consider cuts or, in the case of games, modifications.

"In the case of Manhunt 2, this has not been possible."

He added: "There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed and encouraged."

Rockstar, who can appeal against the ban, said they "emphatically" disagreed with the decision.

A spokesman said: "The subject matter of this game is in line with other mainstream entertainment choices for adult consumers."

The original Manhunt game was given an 18 classification in 2003 and was said to be "at the very top end" of what was acceptable.

The last game to be refused classification was Carmageddon in 1997. That ban was later reversed.

The original Manhunt game was blamed for a murder.

Stefan Pakeerah, 14, was stabbed and beaten to death in Leicester in 2004. His parents claim the game inspired killer Warren LeBlanc, 17.

Last week, Sony apologised to the Church of England for setting scenes in their violent game Resistance: Fall Of Man inside Manchester Cathedral.

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