The ban on a controversial computer game which was refused release in the UK for being "unremittingly bleak, callous and sadistic" has been overturned.

Manhunt 2, which was banned by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) last year for being excessively violent, will now go on sale in June with an 18 certificate following an appeal by the game's publisher, Rockstar.

The game, in which players take the role of a patient who has escaped from an asylum, became the first game in a decade to be refused release in the UK when it was banned in June last year.

In its original decision, the BBFC said that Manhunt 2 was distinguished by its "unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone" and that the game "constantly encouraged visceral killing with exceptionally little alleviation or distancing". "There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed," the BBFC said.

Rockstar appealed, and nine months later the Video Appeals Committee, which reviews the BBFC's decisions, has ruled by a majority of 4 to 3 in favour of overturning the ban.

In a statement, David Cooke, director of the BBFC, said: "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.”

Rockstar, which also produces the lucrative Grand Theft Auto series, has always maintained that the action in Manhunt 2 is no different from that in other 18-rated entertainment, including television programs and films.

In a statement, the company 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. Rockstar Games is committed to making great interactive entertainment, while also marketing our products responsibly and supporting an effective rating system."

Game publishers have long argued that computer games are unfairly targeted by censorship authorities while other forms of entertainment that are equally violent are granted release.

Asked in September about the decision to ban Manhunt 2, John Riccitiello, the chief executive of Electronic Arts, said: "Yes, it is violent, it’s about committing murder. But it is no more violent than an episode of 24 or a Quentin Tarantino film.”

Explore Tech & Web

• Personal Tech

• The Web

• Gadgets & Gaming