Rockstar Blasts The BBFC November 27, 2007
Read more Consoles , Games , Gizmodo UK , Software
Rockstar has begun its fight back against the UK ban on its game, Manhunt 2, by launching a blistering attack on the BBFC at a special appeal yesterday.
Addressing the Video Appeals Committee, Rockstar representative Geoffrey Robertson, claimed the BBFC should have its name changed to the British Board of Videogame Censors. In addition, he said that BBFC members were “ignorant of the gaming experience".
“Their reputation is not at stake; if it were we could show how, over the last century, they've been derided for some of the most stupid decisions in censorship history. But we're not going to go down that road. "There you are, seven of you - not one of you has experienced, I'm told by the chairman, computer games, or are a gamer."
The BBFC denied that claim and pointed out that the members had played Manhunt 2 before deciding to ban it. The BBFC has already rejected a watered-down version of the game.
Robertson presented some expert witnesses and survey results showing that people thought Manhunt 2 was no more violent than certain other games and less so than some movies.
The appeal to have the ban lifted continues.-Martin Lynch
Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
Contributor | Tamlin Magee
Comments
The manhunt games test the hardiest free speech defenses - I defend their free-speech stance, but truth be told, these games should not have been made in the first place. They lack artistic merit or any relevance to the market's needs. They are prurient and a perfect example of where we should not take either the sector... or our species.
The makers should be ashamed that they made these pointless and tacky games and should look into their consciences to ask if this is the legacy they wish to leave their (and my) children.
So, yes, I support their battle against the BBFC - but wish they hadn't gone down this road for such a ridiculous and cretinous product.
C.
I agree Charlie - the game is a terrible waste of resource and lacks any creative merit at all.
I don't understand - claiming that there are no "gamers" at the BBFC - when there are people there whose job it is to review games almost all of the time is just childish.
A game is a game, why these stupid arguements over it? If there's a market for it then a developer should have every right to publish it long as every possible step is taken to ensure it doesn't get into the hands of underage gamers. Where is the BBFC's arguement? Already didn't pass a 'watered-down' version, maybe these people need to be a little more open-minded to others and so some of you leaving comments about it being 'ridiculous' yet articles i've read have seen it flying off shelves. Let people have their own minds instead of being so governed.
Inevitably it is bound to make the game more in the long run, like eminem or hooligans the game
If S.A.W I/II/III/IV or Hostel were games, they would be banned and never see the light of day. But it seems that if it's a film then its not a 'cretinous product', it's got 'artistic merit'.
What a crock of shit. Video games don't make people go fricken psycho. Maybe have a peek at their up-bringing instead.
Manhunt is just a daft laugh, people shouldn't take it so seriously. There's a market for games like these. I play games like these. So blame me for wanting a game i can laugh at because it's NOT real life.
Chill out people. Nothing is tacky and pointless when there's a high market for it.
hey ppl u r getting hot on a cooooool game...........
just enjoy playing it