What's the difference between pressing play on a dvd remote and watching violent images within popular movies or pressing x on a game controller to watch the same actions taken but by a person made of polygons, a literal cartoon. This whole thing is silly. There are game ratings for a reason. No one under a certain age should be allowed to play a game with the appropriate rating. Exactly the same actions should be taken with all rated media i.e. movies, publications, etc. Anyone backing this ruling, unless you burn all your mature rated media you are a hypocrite. Let's set humanity back 20 years.

Alex, Lakeland, Florida

I agree that, considering the kinds of gory movies you can see these days, it's pretty hypocritical to ban a violent video game while movies go scot free, relatively speaking. While I'm sure Manhunt does contain pleanty of death and murder, I fail to see how something like Hostel 1 and 2 (that is, if it's anything like it's predecessor) is NOT bleak and casually sadistic. Just because you're not pressing a few buttons to make it happen doesn't make it any less violent.

People point fingers at video games the moment someone goes on a killing spree, but did anyone bother to check what kind of movies or tv they watched? Everyone knows TV and Movies are fiction. Those who are convinced they are real are generally considered in need of professional help, and then some. So what exactly about video games magically makes everyone completely unable to tell reality from fiction? Considering computer graphics are still a far cry from real life actors, one would think it'd be the other way round.

Alexa, Aberdeen,

Even if MH2 is watered-down or stays banned here I suspect the real thing will be available in enough countries that it will be easy to obtain. Sweden, Holland etc have very liberal publishing laws for porn & I hear this also applies to games. Let's hope Rockstar has the sense to release all uncensored versions regionfree and with the option to select English.

I'm more worried about platform manufacturers muttering about 'not supporting' the game. Can they do this, or is it hot air to impress the middle classes? It might make sense for the Big 3 to agree that only one would carry extreme games; lost sales to families would be offset by support from 'adults' & those who support freedom of expression.

On the ethics of the actual ban, it's time to take a stand as I don't think it will ever stop otherwise. Everyone has a 'minority' habit, and even though I don't hunt foxes or smoke or ride a huge motorbike (a likely next target) let's all tolerate those who choose to do so.

Alan Smith, London,

If we allow violent movies to be screened in theaters and drug use to appear on TV, banning instead of granting an 18 certificate to a game like Manhunt is somewhat hypocritical. This game, like a violent movie is clearly meant for adults - would you show a 12 year old the Saw series?

This aside, in games such as this the violence is so over the top that it should be obvious to any rational member of society that this is not how you behave in real life, and if the BBFC don't aim their ratings at rational members of society, who do they work for?

Alex, Milton Keynes,

another thing is , everyone knows the second u ban anything it becomes more and more famous and more people want to see it / play it. few years time it wont be banned and they'll probably sell more copies of it than they would have in the first place.

dino, london,

I agree with the view that the BBFC has gone too far. I had the opportunities to play all sorts of games, including man hunt 1, when I was younger and video games were a major hobby. I have never been stupid or thooughtless enough to replicate violent or indecent behaviour that i have witnessed on a television screen, in exactly the same way that I didn't attempt to decapitate teenagers after watching friday the 13th. I can understand that young children will find games like this disturbing, so the BBFC has every right to give it an adult rating, and we must ensure that shops use strict policy to maintain that it is only sold to adults, but actually taking away our choice of buying and playing the game or not is ridiculous, and it certainly makes me more angry than if i was playing a game.

Nicky, Exeter,

I Love my gaming and most of my games are shooters, but i think this time the BBFC was right to ban the game, where do we draw the line. if the game is just about mindless killing in such graphic detail then i would be worried about my children playing such a game. i am not saying all games with a violent nature should be banned but they do need to looked at, also i have seen many times when buying games Kids under age being sold 18c games, so its not just the makers of the games we need to point the finger at here but the shops selling them are not helping are they.

steve, Norwich, Norfolk

If the boards look closely at these games, they will see that the vast majority of violent people never really have time to play games. If they're telling us that this game will encourage us to go on a violent spree of killing, don't you think that it would not be from countless hours of aggression and exposure to REAL LIFE violence, not a couple of hours in front of a TV. I think that it is pathetic that everyday people (Including Children) can see violent attacks on TV, the news broadcasts all kinds of images and people just ignore it. But when someone turns on a tv to play that (Emphasis on PLAY) it is wrong? We really do live in an ironic society.

Trumaine, Crowthorne,

I am infuriated that a game such as this, which is intended to be violent and for adults, is being banned when such films as the Saw series and Hostel are being bought and watched everyday, which when you think about it are equally as violent, and, more often than not, more violent than the original Manhunt game. Taking this into consideration, I see no plausible argument for the BBFC to ban Manhunt 2. If the BBFC want to ban this game, then surely they should have banned Saw and Hostel as well.

Also we (the public) as adults should be able to decide what we allow ourselves to view/play (in relation to films and games on general release) for our entertainment. In banning this game we are being treated like we cannot make our own choices in a simple matter such as what we consider entertainment.

Jessica, Kent,

I played Manhunt and enjoyed every minute of it, but I enjoyed it as a gamer... not some psychopath hell bent on destroying everyone. Games like these are designed to let people do things that they would never do in real life, and also for adults who know this is just a game, nothing else.

Manhunt 2, and other games like it, is intended for adults, who understand that these are GAMES and are merely for entertainment value nothing else. Parents, who want to buy similar types of games for their children, should adhere to the certification of the game.

We claim to have freedom of speech and opinion, but when we're told by a board of people what level of violence is/isn't acceptable, I am made to believe otherwise.

Gary, Swanley, Kent

If your going to be affected by a violent video game so easily as to want to go out and kill someone, then you will kill someone anyway because your screwed up in the head - playing a violent game or not.

Duncan, Edinburgh,

even though i feel for the 14 year olds parents was it not his 13 year old friend that attacked him? if this is the case then it is the kids parents fault for buying an 18+ game for a 13 year old child.he was not an adult so how can they ban manhunt 2 when it is an adult game, when the first 1 had no affect on any one over the age of 18.

Amy , Bedfordshire,

Banning the game is ridiculous,and very nieve of the authorities. It is part of being human,to be violent. It is up to most of us to show restraint. It's the subhumans who perpatrate that kind of stuff. After all as the old saying goes......IT'S ONLY A GAME!!!

Gee, Norwich, England

people are loking at it from the wrong point of view they think games like this encourage people to go out and kill people. it's not true simply these games are based around what is already hapening out in the world. Killings, Car jackings, child abduction it already hapens in real life. a game isnt going to make you want to go do it.

david, ury St Edmunds, UK

"...the parents of a 14-year-old boy who was murdered with a claw hammer claimed that his killer was obsessed with the game. No link was proved..."

No link was proved, well that is an obvious call for Manhunt 2 to be banned. Yes there are studies which claim that there is a link between video games an violence, but they are few and far between and the links are minimal at most.

At the end of the day, hundereds of thousands of copies of Grand Theft Auto, Manhunt etc have been sold - but there are only a few incidents of these games "influencing" people to carry out acts they have experienced in-game - one being by a 14 year old, playing an 18 rated game. At the end of the day, if someone is going to immitate violent acts from a game, then they have serious existing issues - regardless of how violent a game is, it's not going to influence a perfectly stable person to go on a killing spree.

Graham, London,

I feel banning this game is nieve as all the publicity it will get will overpower the bbfc and they will have to reconsider I also feel the parents of the kids that get this game for e.g christmas, birthdays ect should be prosocuted as this game is made for adults. More awareness to parents about these games should be inforced by the goverment to stop gamers like myself missing out on potentially good games because if it starts here where will go next? Everybody has a vice what's yours it could be next

Sandy, Hamilton, Scotland

I totally agree with the comments above, the problem is that bbfc need to wake up and smell the roses, the game is aimed at adults not children, I am a mature gamer and i have noticed that the bbfc have allowed films like hostel and saw to be rated at 18 which have more graphic scenes than manhunt 2 would have, also sexual scenes in films can even be found in 12 rated films yet they will not allow such content in a game, if bbfc manages to read this please understand that people know games are fictional, please allow rockstar to release this title, this ban will just encourage illegal downloads off the internet causing more problems than releasing it would

why ban manhunt 2?, Halifax, England

the banning of this game is brilliant news, as it is extremely immoral and distasteful to all good christian folk. If only jesus could see us now, how dissappointed he would be! He sacrificed himself for us and what a fine way we choose to repay him. Goodness gracious will someone not think of the children, and how this terrible game could warp their fragile minds. I think all computer games should be banned and everyone should come back to church and rejoin our lords flock........

mary, winchester, uk

Lets get one thing clear, whats going on with this game now is serving two purposes. 1 - the would be do-gooder's who feel some responsibility over the tragic killing of a 14 year old boy in 2004 (and this isnt a dig at the poor boys parents) are having their 5 minutes of glory to get the game banned; and 2 - its fantstic publicity for Rockstar and the Manhunt brand (1&2). For clarity, I loved Manhunt and I do wish to own a copy of no.2; and although some friends may disagree, I think I am a pretty normal bloke. Those of us that want the game, want to play it even more now dont we? As for those do-gooder's, go and look at the news only from the last few weeks and you will see gang related knife and gun crime, fatal car jacking, rape, child abduction etc. There are games and far more graphic films out there about most of these things, because they reflect the criminal culture of life. Manhunt didnt make me want to kill someone anymore than GTA made me want to steel a car. Its not REAL!

Tony, London,

The fact that this game has been banned is quite simply ridiculous. This is a game aimed at adult audiences who enjoy the horror genre. To say that the game presents 'a range of unjustifiable risks to adults and children' really just shows how idiotic these people are who sit in their rooms deciding these regulations. If a child gets there hands on this game then that is purely the fault of the parent or retailer. Scenes of similar violence are apparent in all forms of media, this game presents no considerable change to themes portrayed in most horror genre games, movies or even books. A game cannot inspire a person to commit a crime, to say it can is foolish. A person who is willing and capable of murdering another human being will of course already have the capacity for murder in him before he ever plays manhunt. It should be the right of the individual in this free society to play or view whatever they want providing no laws were broken. This ban destroys that right.

james, winsford, cheshire

There seems to be loads of people with comments like; why would this appeal to any one and; this isnt entertainment, youv'e got to be derranged to get pleasure from it.
Allow me to give you some perspective.
I hate golf. mainly because I dont understand the game and have never taken the time to ask golfers what is so fascinating about strolling around a field and whacking a little white ball.
I've never played golf.
I will never play golf.
Does this give me the right to judge golfers?
do I stroll on the golf green yelling 'you lot are derranged'
'You cant possibly enjoy this!'
'This game should be banned'
No I dont. I just leave golfers to play golf because they enjoy it.
I dont play golf.
I dont understand golf.
I'm never going to try to understand why they play it, but its their hobby and if they want to walk around a field all day whacking that ball, fine.
Manhunt 2 is a game, a bleak gory psycotic deranged game. you dont understand it, but I do and I want to play!!

James Earl Cash, carcer city,

The censorship is founded in the variously of education,
or education itself.
For school, there are certain rules in Europe to separate the successfully from the unsuccessfully which doesn't distinguish coercively from skillfully to mentally ill.
It is primary about obedience.
Right now, in Europe are no handicaps to download what ever you want, at the same day it is released, and wherever it is released, for free
(which is tolerated for other, good reasons, i.e. hidden control).

Di_Rase, Rome, Italy

Im 18 and a fan of the majority of the games rockstar have produced, i thought the original game "manhunt" was an exellent game and grate fun, yes it was violent so recent films such as hostle are equaly as or possibly more violent, i think this banning of "manhunt 2" laughable, those people that are influenced by films or video games obviously had seriouse mental issues befor they viewd the game or film. the "manhunt 2" should be allowed to be sold under an 18 certificate.

James Lonsdale, Manchester, England

To ban a game for its "unremitting bleakness and savagery" is an extremely amusing, considering that we are currently at war. The social landscape in england is so barren and violent because there is currently a generation of young men without work or purpose to their lives. Completely ineffective government initiatives, softly softly police and judicial standards have led to the violent and antisocial members of society realising that they can commit murder and recieve no more than five years for it. I say to the government that once they have stiffened the sentences for violent crimes and at least made an attempt to solve the massive unemployment problems in the country then they can tell me what i can read, watch and play.

Graham Nash, brighton and hove, england

how old do we have to be to be recruited into armed service? under 18! how old was i when i first held a plastic replica ak 47 and pretended to shoot my friends and even my brothers? under 8! how long have children played violent games with each other, ie wrestling, cowboys + indians, cops and robbers? probably in some form or another-forver! surely a toy gun in the hand (and a vivid childs imagination) is just as psycologically damaging? need we ban driving games, my 14 year old brother plays because they might encourage him to go and race his friends on the dual carriageway?!? i dont think so, he's intelligent enough to have morals!
perhaps we should spend dave cooks salary on researching the causes of sociopathic and psychopathic behaviour?

Thom, Bideford,

Let's look at the facts here. Manhunt 2 is a sequel to a much-celebrated computer game that has gained a cult following due to its dark nature. Have we not seen worse scenes of violence at the cinema? Try Hostel (of which there is also a sequel coming out), the Saw franchise, Nightmare On Elm Street... this computer game is for fans of horror films, simple as that. If you don't have the capacity of mind to be able to separate real life from a computer game, then you shouldn't be allowed to play ANY violent video games.
The censors also tried to ban Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. That game has gone on to become well-known as the benchmark in quality videogames. Content does not suffer quality. If it's an 18-rated game, it's not Rockstar's fault if someone under 18 gets a copy, it's the fault of retailers. So the laws should be tightened on those that sell games, not those that make them.
Dammit, I was looking forward to buying it too.

Gari, Newcastle,

'Manhunt2 may be aimed at 'adults who are responsible and sane enough to keep the game play within the game', but whats to stop a schizophrenic (who can't separate fiction from reality,&who commit most of the UK's murders) from playing it?'

I'm pretty sure that schizophrenics do not commit most of the UK's murders

Sue, herts, uk

This game should be released regardless of what the press say, if they don't want their children playing it, then they just dont buy it.
If rockstar didnt make such quality games, i doubt any of us would own a ps2/psp/ps3. If anyone went out and massacred people after viewing the game then it is they which are ill in the head, not the games fault at all, thus there is no evidence not to put the game on the shelf, it would be rockstars biggest seller yet though.
=]

Gareth, Burton,

This is ridiculous, they cant ban a game because they don’t like it and they are scared that it will cause violence for gods sake, if they are scared that children will play it then there parents will be responsible not rockstar if the game is 18 and there retailers ather to these rules then there will be no trouble, its just politicians and censors being stupid as usual.
People know what the game is about and likely to include and are not ignorant to this fact, so just slap an 18 rating on it as usual and if they have to put a further warning on/in the case and again on the start menu, that should be suitable enough surely?

james, gravesend, england

I have to laugh at the people who feel they have a valuable and/or justified opinion on this issue when they talk about " ruthless psychiatric patient...killing spree...innocent civillians...etc" Do you honestly think that Rockstar, creators of some really well-written, in-depth storylines would release a game with absolutley no point other than killing innocent people!?!? The main character, a SCIENTIST, has been held in a psychiatric hospital, against his will, to keep him quiet about the experiments (possibly government approved?) he had been working on! Also, where has the ridiculous notion of the "cold-blooded murder of unarmed civilians" (J, Fort Worth) come from? The in-game enemies are HUNTING YOU!!! YOUR CHARCTER IS PHYSICALLY SICK AFTER THE 1ST FATAL ENCOUNTER, QUESTIONING HIS OWN MORALLITY!!! However, in order to SURVIVE, he is FORCED TO KILL TO ESCAPE HIS CAPTORS!!! People with an un-educated opinion should keep quiet!!!

Marc Thomson, Dunoon, Scotland

Rockstar games are just untouchable when it comes to making games. They must of sold thousands upon thousands of games to people who are either 15 or 18 as per BBFC's certificates.
Why should I or any other person have to be told by the BBFC what I can and cant buy, play or watch? who are they to say I cant watch or play a video game? How would they like it if I told them that they were banned from drinking that old bottle of Port because they wont like it?
If I go out and kill someone after palying computer games or watching horror films surely it is me who is ill in the head not the contents of a computer game.
MANHUNT 2 should be sold to anyone 18 or above regardless of its contents or theme.
I hope Rockstar carry on making such quality games, because if it wernt for them I would even own a PS2 or PSP.

Ben, Hounslow,

Do u really think that the sorta person who wants2play a game where they drag people off&suffocate them with plastic bags, is gonna b responsible enuf2prevent their little brother/sister from playing on it? This method of killing was in Manhunt1, which wasn't banned. So god knows whats in Manhunt2.

What makes Manhunt arguably so dangerous, is the detail they instruct the player how2kill, 4 example areas of the body,&also the way in which they make the player aware of methods of murder that they probably wouldn't have been aware, such as stabbing someone with a biro etc. It's 1 thing 4 a game2have katanas&guns, cuz they r harder2get, than a biro or a plastic bag. But Manhunt means if some1 loses their temper, they're likely2be more 'resourceful'.

Manhunt2 may be aimed at 'adults who are responsible and sane enough to keep the game play within the game', but whats to stop a schizophrenic (who can't separate fiction from reality,&who commit most of the UK's murders) from playing it?

Verity Mackworth - Praed, Surrey, England

"First Video Game Banned in Britain" - well the title is wrong for a start! Carmegeddon was the first game to be banned, later an appeal by the publishers led to it being released with green blood, and then a patch was released to turn it back to red within about an hour of it hitting the shelves.

I fully expect Manhunt 2 will be on the shelves of stores within two months, probably with some editing. You'll notice a lot of PS3 shoot-em-ups have a lack of blood to get a lower BBFC rating, well why not release the game with no blood and then have a cheat code to tap in to turn the blood on?

There is no sane reason for any game to be banned, only restricted. If I want to virtually cut someone in two from the gonads to the forehead then I would like to do so but I accept that is not suitable for a 6-year-old to be doing. And for those who say kids will get hold of it anyway, then look at the parents or the sales channels. It is their fault, don't punish adult gamers for that.

Chris, Nottingham,

I am always saying the same thing over and over to my girlfriend that it is only a Movie and non fictional.

If it was based on a fictional character then i can see the point that it should be banned but it is not.

It is simply entertainment. It is probably some old guy that does not think a game should have such content and getting scared of playing the game that they banned it

I hope they don't start banning such films as Saw, Hostel or any of those types of movies because i think they are well done and are sometimes funny due to the way the things happen. Not that i am sadistic or anything but Night of the Living Dead, Day of the Dead, Shaun of the Dead ( Comedy based of the previous films ) was hilarious.

i reckon in 5-10 years it will be released again or something like that because the Exorcist and Evil Dead which were banned initially were released later.

I hope they do have the opportunity to release it via an Age Protection method so we get a chance to see it.

Marc Donaldson, Manchester, United Kingdom / Greater Manchester

i hve wanted this game since i first heard of its release. what the bbfc dont seem to realise is that violence springs from violent minds. video games and music have nothing to do with it it hink bbfc should stick to classifying film rather destroy our gaming industry. what wrong with the pegi rating system? i hope rockstar appeal and wish htem the best of luck if they decide to.

chris, guisborough,

1) Research that connects violent behaviour in children with playing violent video games is inconclusive and often methodologically flawed.

2) This is completely irrelevant anyway as the game is aimed at and designed for adults.

It seems pointless to even mention such research...

Anyway,
I feel it is completely patronising to tell an adult what games they cannot play in their leisure time. Violent video games do not make me angry but the BBFC does! Argh!

Jay, Monmouth,

A game is a type of entertainment. If people are going to play a game then copy what they've done in it then they need to be checked in to an asylem. At the end of the day SAW 3 was worse than this game and it got slogans like 'so gory it'll make you sick' 'the best gore fest since the original texas chainsaw massacre' (Which got banned i might add but came out several years later). Now if a GAME is going to get banned then i suggest that the BBFC start banning the likes of SAW 4 when it comes out. Wait scratch that. Maybe they should have banned Pirates of the Carribean after some kid tried to re-enact the hanging escape scene at the end of it but messed up and actually hanged himself. It's stupid people that need banning not games or films. Oh and if Parents didn't buy the game for there kids then maybe things wouldn't be as bad as this.

Scot, Grimsby, UK,

If people are worried about commiting crimes because of video games, dvds, or/and what music they are listening to, then is it not down to the parents who let them have all these adult things should be punished, as if the retailers who sell it does. If BBFC are concerned about these things should they intaduce a 21 rating to make it clear of the hardcore violance so there is no mistake of under age gaming. Do we not see Homer Simpson with his hands around Barts neck on a family show!
BBFC get a grip it's the 21st century not 20th.

Ron, Ayrshire, Scotland

There is no proof violance in games make violant people.

Christopher snowden, Manchester, England

First a video game, then a movie. Before we know it we'll all be sat watching and playing Disney movies & games. Manhunt 2 was given an 18 rating for a reason...IT'S FOR PEOPLE OVER 18!!!! If it wasn't for parents letting their kids have and see whatever they wanted. Games and movies like Manhunt, Hostel and Saw don't breed sick people, as since they should be at least 18 years old, their minds should be developed enough to know right from wrong. If they don't, don't blame the game, they are just down-right sick in the mind to start with. Why should the rest of us suffer, it may not be be Mario Bros, but it still ain't real life

Rik, South Yorks, UK

ITS A GAME!!!! ITS NOT REAL!!!!! THOSE THINGS THAT YOU CAN SEE GETTING KILLED ON THE SCREEN ARE NOT REAL PEOPLE, THEY ARE PIXELS!!!!
These people really need to calm themselves down about nannying the world.
I enjoy these games because, personally, its a good stress outlet and its fun, i am not deranged because i enjoy these games, because unless your an idiot, you wont take these games seriously

Callum Lynch, surrey, britain

I say just purchase the game on eBay. They cant stop you then.

James, Southend-On-Sea, England

waited since i seen it was going to be made, cant believe its been banned! these games are violent but very fun as you can escape the real world and vent your frustration with no harm caused to anyone but a few pixels! guess i'll have to drop down the local wallmart and buy me a hammer! (if your small minded like the people who banned it, think we are, you'll beleive the last bit!) if people go to war then come back with limbs missing they get hushed up and taking away from the public just like this game has been. They'll be telling you how to eat, sleep, drive, work and play next. Oh they already do!

Dave Richardson, Carlisle, England

whats the diffrence between manhunt 2 and hostel or saw nothing except its not real where as the films show real people yes characters but played by real people making it much more realistic and impresionable! im totally outraged by the decision as a 20 year old i think i should have the choice to what i can see or not!

Graeme Martin, east kilbride, scotland

Personally i dont see the big deal as long as the person playing it is over the age of 18, there has been no links to video games violence and killing yet they still you that factor, i would liek to see this game come out in it true state unfortunatly i dont think this will occur. When playing a game and i speak for people i know i enjoy the thrill of PLAYING it its not as i would act it out in real life, and this is the same for the majority of the gaming world. Howevere there are a few people who do take it to far and relate it to their life. But i would like this game to be released...whatever happened to freedom of choice?!?
There are plenty of films out today which are brutal with the Saw trilogy and Hostel to name a few why are they not banned?
I honestly do not see the problem so long as underage people play the game!

Sam, cardiff,

I just want to thank the BBFC for this ruling... its finally given me a positive outlook on the USA................

Xomby, NJ, USA

None of the comments here against this ban attempts to tackle the specific judgment of the BBFC. As usual in these matters, the "trump card" of "absolute free speech" gets played, as if no-one had ever heard of such crimes as perjury, defamation, fraud and treason. Nor does anyone seem to consider that moral respect for free speech derives from love of neighbour. (Otherwise, why should anyone care about anyone else's speech?) It is consistent with this ethical hierarchy to consider that depiction of the brutal murder of a man or woman in a manner that appears to constitute condonation of such behaviour is something that should be outlawed purely and simply out of respect for the moral value of human beings.

Kevin, London,

its an outrage if you start banning games like manhunt what next horror films. any one that has played the game knows its just fantasy violence and should not be taken seriously its 18 rating for a reason. i watch films play violent games All the time doesn't mean am going to kill some one there has to be a problem in someones head already to do such a thing. they are only baning it cause they don't like it. its the same all the time pathetic.

andrew, huddersfield, england

This ban on Manhunt 2 is ridiculous. Other games, and even films, which portray similar acts of violence have got away with an 18 certificate - why can't this game? This ban spoils it for those people who enjoy playing games with a bit of edge, suspense and drama - isn't that what part of playing video games is about! Maybe there needs to be a tougher clamp-down on stopping children from getting access to these games - enforce stiffer penalties on the parents who turn a blind eye while their children play or buy them, but don't ruin things for those who are old enough and responsible enough to play these games. You can't keep blaming video games for the violent crimes in the world.

Stewart, Bristol, England

its obvious by the amount of people who say the game should be sold that people can make their own decisions on what they can and cannot play. Even if a young person managed to get hold of this game, and then went on the imitate it and harm someone dosn't this leave the child's parents in question and show a poor upbringing due to the fact that they imitate what they see on games.
I believe when the fist in this series of games was blame for a killing it was simply the person who had committed the act trying to blame something else for his disgusting actions in hope that his jail sentence would be made shorter, i beleive this feeble attempted to mock the law was spotted and that is why the game was made available after the orional banning

Alex, lincoln, england

banning a game will not solve the everyday troubles of the world. Like myself and people who play these kind of games know that they are fun. BFFC should of tried to put there heads round it made it an 18 they are only fiction.
Do you believe in santa?

Forget banning games BFFC take a look at the FILMS.

Paul, kent, west wickham

Video games such as Manhunt are not catalysts for extreme behaviour. Violent people are attracted to violent things. It is not the content that can be blamed for the actions of the people that play them. I am glad to hear Rockstar are not editing this product in any way, shape or form as video games are, believe it or not, pieces of art in just the same way as a book. As suggested in a previous comment, banning a video game that gains an 18 certificate will only make the situation worse as the game will then become 'notorious'. If a video game is banned it will gain a cult following and sell in much greater quantises then it would have originally. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is wrong to tell people what they can and can’t see and do; they are simple acolytes of a nanny state.

Lawrence Jennings, Carlisle, Cumbria

Anyone critisising games like this should go and read the review. You wil find like most games it does have a point and a plot. When has a story of the hunted becomes the hunter never made an excellent read or violent action movie. Hypocrasy and cencorship is rife in this country. Don't blame psycopaths actions on media of any kind, it was built into them from birth, and this gives them an excuse for their actions by passing blame onto others.
The BBFC's excuse for banning the game was pathetic. Of course when they passed Hostel there was definately a distraction every now and then from the sick, mindless slow torture scenes throughout with adult friendly images of drug use and sex (god I love that film!). Erm I'm sure this would be unsafe for any 10 year old to find this in mummy and daddy's film collection. By the way I'm a director of several successful companies with a family and I love watching violent movies and playing violent video games. My CHOICE like many others. BBFC OFF!

Matt, Leeds,

at the moment sick films are bein released all over the world like saw, hostel and so on just because its a video game it shouldnt be banned thats not fair after playing the first manhunt not once did i think of re-creating any death scences people who do that are just weird in the head and they need help so coz people are like that we have to suffer your totally out of order

nick, manchester, england

Michael, from Nottingham i have to disagree totally. unless of course you live in the land of fairy tails. As i am aware, people did kill people before the invention of video games, violence has been a part of human nature since dawn of time, so its a very niave and stupid suggestion to make the connotation that video games are the sole reason for violence in todays society.
as for this manhunt game, i am sure its very shocking and appalling to many people, but theirs a simple way of avoiding this kind of unsightly game. DON'T PLAY IT.
as for people who claim video games like this cause children to become violent, is quite frankly absurd. nearly all children play video games, and most have violent aspects. are nearly all children violent? the answer is no. do you think for one possible minute that the violence could be caused by another effect? i.e bad parenting or peer pressure.
plus this game should only be available for adults so children shouldn't be playing it anyway. Rant over

Ben, Warrington, Cheshire

Thank God someone is finally taking action against these "training" games - the makers are really being disingenuous when they say only highly rational adults play this game - if they had a licensing and security scheme to control who plays maybe I'd believe them. The US military uses video games to train, as do airlines - so the puzzling rise in school shootings and serious beatings may not be so puzzling after all. But, a profit is being made so it's not all bad.

Dave

Dave, Victoria,

How very strange. Why would anyone of sane mind find pleasure in playing a game in which they are challenged to be come a sadistic killer? I am sorry I can't see the fun in this, perhaps those who wish to play such a game should try living the house and playing at life rather than death!!

claire, Winchester, UK

If exposure to material such as that found on Manhunter II, and other forms of non-interactive entertainment such as DVD, film and video encourages the viewer to imitate such acts, why aren't the members of the BBFC under 24 hour surveillance by the police given their constant exposure to the corrupting material (in its raw form!) and the certainty they will eventually crack and act out that they see?

Or does membership of the censorship panel confer some immunity that we haven't been told about?

Therion Ware, Stevenage, SG1 2QX

I am really dissapointed at the decision to ban Manhunt 2. I think there's many films out there such as Hostel, Texas Chainsaw Massacre etc that are alot more violent than Manhunt 2. There's even games like Mortal Kombat which are much more violent and contain extreme scenes where you literaly rip peoples heads off and rip theyre spines out as a death scene at the end of each fight. Why is that not banned?

Also they seem to blame video games for violent children, but should the irresponsable parents not be the ones to blame for allowing theyre children to view/play 18+ material? They say that video games like Manhunt encourage people to be violent, so if this is the case then do horror films not do the same? Especially when they are alot more realistic etc.

I think its ridiculous and was looking foward to buying Manhunt 2, and now i'm very dissapointed. Keep going Rockstar and appeal against the decision! And DO NOT CUT/EDIT THE GAME! Keep rollin you ROCK!

Sameer, Slough, United KIngdom

HAHAHA this will get thru via the interent people will play it even more because it is illeagal and its getting free promotion so i say good luck to rockstar the band wont last long...and how can they bann this but not saw 3?? or Hostel 2??

Fred, Illionios, IL

Ronnie, the first amendment is in the US Constitution. The UK and other democracies do in fact subscribe to freedom of expression and speech, but this is not a license to put any old thing out there. If it is to the detriment of society, which the Classification Board has determined to the case, it should not be available. The old saying that Freedom of Expression does not give one the right to yell "Fire" in a crowded theatre holds here, as well as elsewhere. BTW, you were the right the first time: it is "you brit guys were living...".

Sarah, Ottawa, Canada

I've never player the original game, nor am likely to play the sequel. However I am still very concerned about the precedence this sets. If the game has gory or sadistic content I accept the need to take the necessary precautions to prevent children from purchasing the game (or adults purchasing it on their behalf) however under no circumstances will I accept anyone telling me as a grown man what I can or cannot play. This is nothing more than scapegoating (links between games and real violence have never been proven regardless of what the Daily Mail tell you) and the start of a very slippery slope. I am sure I am not alone in hoping that Rockstar win their appeal.

Jim, Glos,

Phuh. Not that much of a disaster, as apparently this one lost the cutting satire and plot that gave the original a context to the violence.
Just stabbing for stabbing's sake.

("Cutting" satire; geddit?)

Jack, Portsmouth, England

Its disusting how videogames are used as a scapegoat whenever an act of violence occurs nowadays, yet other media such as films, books, even the news depict death and violence without anything ever being said about it!

the notion that videogames incite real life violence is redicoulous! if that was the case then i think i would be the most violent person i the world by now, seeing as ive been gaming for 15 years and have played every violent game under the sun, yet i dont ever feel the need to go out clubbing people with hammers or ripping out peoples spines! i bet Ted Bundy or Ed Gein never played videogames!

The fact that the BBFC has banned the game is surely a sign of things to come, fair enough that kids shouldnt be playing the game(and thats the job of the parents not anybody else) but the fact is the game is not aimed at children but rather a mature audience! At aged 22 i dont need people to make my descisions for me! especially not about what to play, watch, read or do!

David Wilson, preston, UK

This is ridiculous, they can't ban a game because they don’t like it and they are scared that it will cause violence for gods sake. If they are scared that children will play it, then their parents will be responsible, not Rockstar. If the game is 18 and their retailers adhere to these rules then there will be no trouble, it's just politicians and censors being stupid as usual.If I want to play a game, then I think I would know what was in it without some pompous board of idiots telling me. People know what the game is about and what it's likely to include. They are not ignorant to this fact, so just slap an 18 rating on it as usual. If they have to put a further warning on the case then surely it's suitable enough?

james, gravesend, england

I've played video games for 25 years and have to say that the first Manhunt was the most disturbing game I have played. It was morally repugnant and drew you into the action in such a way, that I felt in a heightened state of alert as I was immersed in this kill or be killed environment. I personally couldn't see any benefit to anyone playing it, and can understand that it could amplify the sociopathic feelings that certainly exist and have always existed in society. What I couldn't explain so easily was why I kept coming back to it until it was finished. I think it may be due to the underlying morbid fascination we have with violence/tragedy, and lets face it, we can go out and legally pick up interactive entertainment that is much worse. The games business is a massive growth industry, and these actions by the BBFC will be seen in a few years as absolutely ridiculous. Nobody can protect decent values any more, because they are at odds with corporate greed and human nature.

Matt Beddoes, Bristol, England

theres only 1 type of people in the world who tell people what they can and cant do and there called dictators and didnt think the BBFC were dictators as long as the game is rated 18 their should be no problem i dont see why responsible adults should be stopped from playing games that they want to!!!!

Jack, Ashwell, England

I haven't read Ray Bradbury's wonderful Fahrenheit 451 in far too long, but I seem to recall that its characters were infantilised and discouraged from reading or independent thought, largely through the state's provision of a vacuous interactive reality game keeping them unthinkingly occupied. All those citing this work as a supportive argument against the censorship of this, um, vacuous interactive reality game seem to have forgotten this aspect. It's rather worrying really that it hasn't taken a totalitarian state to dumb us down, we seem to be enthusiastically doing so all by ourselves.

Ruth, Hawalli , Kuwait

the one game ive been waiting for and its banned ....why? its an 18+ game i.e one for the adults for a change and they moan and whinge bout children getting the wrong ideas from this game but children ARE NOTmeant to be playing it . I enjoyed the first game and have been waiting for the sequel now im stuck unable to order it in from the US because the game if noticed will be stopped at customs and returned. I never killed anyone i never ripped my boyfreinds spinal cord out after playing the first game so why would i start now? they moan on about the weapons used in the game but this one is based in an asylum lol there are gonna be no guns etc in that type of setting.Why am i being conditioned by a old fart who has no idea of gaming and how boring some games can be? at least manhunt kept me on my toes and awake till the last level im sick of being told what is good for me and what isnt its up to me to make my choice not them this game is for the adults only and should be sold as such!

kath gardiner, solihull, England

I find a little bit over the top banning the game, I beleive this is the start of the banning of violant games, sure it starts of with manhunt 2 today but next thing you know we wont be able to buy any adult oriantated games anymore! Fair enough, the game makes you kill alot of people in different ways but i dont think rockstar are just going to create a game where theres no story and you just kill random people, the people you probebly have to kill are evil men themselves anyway its only made up entertainment like a film or book.
so BBFC DONT BAN MANHUNT 2 for the sake of freedom to buy

Freedom Of Speech, Perthshire, Scotland

i think it is a joke a 16 year old can join the army and have to KILL people with a gun boyanet hand to hand they see horrible thing but a computer game gets banned its pure crazy its like saying you watch a film where someone gets ran over you are going to go out an do it people kill people because they are crazy or want to not because they played games like manhunt

neil stewart, yeovil, uk

Shouldn't it be the duty of the parents to regulate and monitor what their children play? Apparently not, the BBFC have decided it's their job, and no one, not even adults in the privacy of their own homes, should be allowed to play this videogame, as it's "unremittingly bleak". What if we want an unremittingly bleak game? Of course there's going to be casual sadism in it, gamers play the role of a serial killer.
If this was a movie, it would be passed, as anyone who's seen some of the real "video nasties" of more recent times will attest. Surely I should be able to decide if I want to play a videogame that's bleak and violent, without the BBFC deciding for me. I'm not claiming this content is tasteful, or in any way suitable for children, but this is nothing more than bowing to tabloid scaremongering, and it's encroaching on free speech.

Mark Kinahan, St. Annes, England

so now people are getting to pick which games the players can play. An 18 certificate is for adults and this is what manhunt 2 should have. You are taking away a game that many ps2 players have been waiting for. Tv and films show grousome scenes but they dont get banned. The first manhunt is the best game i have ever played and i have been waiting for the 2nd one since i first heard about it.

starkweather, dundee, scotland

What is really sad about the whole thing is that there is a market for this type of game in the first place. When as human beings do we take the next step in our cognitive evolution and realize that life is sacred and that our thoughts and the activities that we are engaged in reflect that idea? Why are we so entertained by violence in the first place? Some would say it is the nature of man to be drawn to violence. Its kind of a bummer that we have abandoned the concept of aspiring to higher levels of civility. This can't be accomplished by government censorship. It is a personal choice. In my opinion, violence begets violence. If it isn't something you would allow a child to do or see, what makes it o.k for adults? I understand that adults can discern between fiction and reality - but that is not where I am going. If we want peace in the world, we need to think and act peacefully in our lives. Peace in our time.

Robert , Boston, MA

I find it crazy how any form of entertainment especially one aimed at over 18's can be banned, kids have access to the internet nowadays and with that comes access to material much worse than any violent movie or videogame.
If they have access to questionable material blame the parrents.
Im sick of this bubble gum plastic wrap politically correct country called the UK.
Im in my mid 20's and ive been playing violent videogames for years reading books like 'last exit to brooklyn' that was originaly banned in places like italy and subject to a review in the UK, and watching movies like clockwork orange which was banned by the director himself because of copycat problems.
Ive never been in trouble in my life, i dont take drugs, i dont drink i dont smoke, and im certainly not violent.
I must have missed something here, lee harvey oswald, chapman, charles manson, jack the ripper ect, must have been exposed to violent videogames...whoops sorry they didnt exsist back then. Scapegoated.

Derrick, Manchester,

I wanna play this game.

Robert Thé, London, UK.

Just because one stupid knob head killed someone copying the first one game, they are banning this. You will always get idiots doing stupid things like that without games like that. Its just a game at the end of the day, and it`s an 18 so just keep it away from kids and there won`t be a problem.

matt, flint, flintshire

If we really were a nation of potential psychopaths, easily brainwashed into violently mutilating and murdering innocent people, then the Army wouldn't be having such a hard time recruitiing :)

Richard, Nottingham, England

I dont think this desision is fair because there is REAL things happening in the world 2day which is much worse than a game. I personaly think take2 should appeale against this. If Manhunt 2's banned what about GTA IV????

diamond D, Ipswich, Suffolk UK

i agree with rock star games this is a game for adults who know full well that it is just that a game if parents are silly enough to buy it for their young children then whos fault is it really?

Sparda, Bedford,

You know what i think. if the BBFC hired some actual gamers instead of some boring old farts that needed pacemakers after the mindblowing expierience they got from looking at pac-man in the eighties then it wouldn't be banned. or maybe it's just that rockstas's scottish and they couldnt have a scottish company making more than some english one.

Chris, Glenrothes, Fife

Jeez. You know something. For thousands of years humanity has been entertained by watching people kill each other.
From the civilised Roman arenas to an action movie where people always die. now if manhunts any different then maybe the BBFC should try to erase these facts from human history.

Tim Proctor, Kirkcaldy,

This is not fair, if you ban a game like Manhunt 2 fort being to violent and for unrelenting sadism then you have to ban all games with violence or sadism. Which, would be almost every game on the market. Resident Evil 4 was given a 15 certificate. Yet the main Charachter is encouraged to dimember and decapitate innocent villagers. How is that any worse thgan killing someone with an axe. The first game was made for adults and the second game is made for adults.

Conor , Stonehaven, Scotland

It is sad that adults are no longer allowed to make their own decisions on what they view or listen to anymore! These types of games are not aimed at children, but adults who are responsible and sane enough to keep the game play within the game. It's not as if people will go out and imitate this kind of thing. The original Manhunt was an interesting psychological thriller with horror due to the way it is portrayed. Its genius.
Please BBFC, let us make our own decisions and choices.

Nikki, Bath, England

Games like this are given an 18 certificate for a reason!!

If someone under age gets hold it then there are only 2 people to blame - parents or retailers.

Saying a game tipped someone over the edge and influenced them to go out and perform what they have seen? - i'm no Psyhcologist but come on there must be something else going on with them.

After the first Manhunt came out how many people must have played it? Millions? and I have only read 1 or 2 incidents where the game had been linked (Not proved) to someone being attacked?

Why if you ban this game is it ok for a game like Hitman to go out - Look at the title! all you do is carry out contract killings. You could argure it goes a step further and shows you how to get away with it.

Plus how come movies seem to slip through the 'net' - Saw and Hostel are two prime examples! Both twisted, but are the actions in these deemed acceptable?

Final thought - If you ban it, people will only want it more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marc, Isle of Man,

I am an avid gamer, and I have watched in horror recently as some games have been branded 'murder simulators' by people who have little idea to the games true content and overall appeal.
However I have to applaud the bbfc decision to refuse classification of manhunt 2 because it does seem to be little else than a 'murder simulator'.
please dont get me wrong, i despise censorship and actively seek out shocking and extreme films/games/books and I have played all of rockstars recent controversial games through to completion including manhunt one and enjoyed every brutal minute, but I think rockstar designed manhunt 2 from ground up to be nothing more than a series of cheap shocks and I do believe the line has to be drawn somewhere.
I suppose its worth pointing out though, Any UK gamer who wishes to play this game has only to import it from less strict european countrys and ironically, will actually pay far less for the game than they would if they went to their local store!

Dave, St Helens, UK

This is unfair the game is about testing your head trying to overcoe a situation not just using admittedly very grphic violence but a large proportion of the the game involves using stealth and cunning to get around certain obsicles and enemies, it seems clear that you havent researched this game thuroly also I would like to add that in the small paragraph about the game postal2 you wrote ''players are encouraged to commit violent acts as they go about mundane tasks'' this is untrue infact one of the main empheses in that was the fact that you could go through the whole game without attacking or killing anyone or anything so again you havent done full research and you are spreading incorrect information so please make sure you know everything about a game befour you make bold statements about them.
I apologise for the bad grammer im not the best at spelling and punctuation thanks for reading this please take what ive said into consideration befoure judging violent games.

Gregory Dowey, Bolton, England

im sorry but but anyone who plays a game, and copies or acts out this in "real world" has to be already lacking a mental ability to control them selves .i played manhunt it was probably one of the most graphic games i played but it was stilled the most played game in my house because it brought something diffrent to games the same gta did when it was released but when i turned the console off thats where it stopped yes it was gory yes it was sadistic but the 18 certifacate is there for a reason if parents letr there kids buy and indulge a game that is 18+ the producers not the retailers the parents!
why has this been banned from uk in such a way that even the people who enjoy games for what they are there for which is to "play" will now have to suffer for someone elses mistake im just worried that rockstar will hold back from now onwards and destroy great game like gta next gen etc etc well done europe for screwing up another good thing KEEP UP THE WORK ROCKSTAR FOR GAMERS SAKES

MARK HECTOR, BARRY, UK

Eleanor, York
You have your opinion, other reasonable adults disagree. Why should your opinion restrict their actions?

PLUS, the original Manhunt game was not a factor in that awful murder. The perpetrator did not own or play the game... the victim did. This is a fact conveniently forgotten by the censorship brigade.

geoffers, Lancs,

It is unbelievable in this day in age that we as adults are being told what we can and cannot watch and play. If this is too graphic or too gory, then it is OUR decision to make, not the BBFC's. This is a fundamental abuse of our civil liberties and it must be overturned.

James, Manchester,

This is going to be a very popular download on bittorrent sites !!

Ian, Bath,

This is simply rediculous. How is it even legal for the BBFC to impose such sanctions? I thought we were supposed to be a modern and tolerant democracy, but this stinks of over-control.

John, Brighton, England

This is a dark day for gaming. Now one game has been banned, it opens the doors to many others being blamed for the actions of those who should not be held accountable for their actions. The BBFC say that this game "presented a range of unjustifiable risks to adults and children". Well, if an adult is unbalanced enough to murder his friend with a claw hammer, then s/he will kill anyway, the game is only the inspiration for the METHOD, not the crime itself. And if the game has an 18 rating, then children SHOULD NOT BE PLAYING IT!

I blame the law and the parents. It is illegal to buy cigarettes or alcohol for a minor, yet parents will buy 18 rated games for young children with impunity, just to keep them quiet. As someone who used to manage a video game shop, it used to disgust me some of the people buying games like San Andreas, for kids under 10 years old.

It's time we stop letting minors and the already unbalanced ruin things for the rest of us sane, non violent people.

Ed, Truro, Cornwall

Rockstar games specialise in creating controversial games, banning this game will give them the publicity they desire and make more kids to buy it. I feel that there is no reason to ban this game as its intended audience is adults, not children, however if adults do choose to buy this game for their children it is their own decision. Having played the original i did not go on a frenzied killing spree and i doubt i will if i play the sequal. so why should we be persecuted for the minority who MIGHT imitate the game?

Andy Page, Portishead, England

I am a adult, i'm over 18 and i vote.If i want to play a game that involeves a lot of killing then thats up 2 me.why do the censorship board think they can ban games,movies.If rockstar had a clear age rating of 18 then why do parents buy there children these games.......because they don't play them.So come on adults stop buying these games for the kids and have a go on them then c if it's suitable.

dave, pontypool, wales

IT IS CENSORSHIP! I will urge everyone to boycott all three console systems if this is how they are going to handle the artistic content of the software companies. There is no connection between violence and video games. Violent behaviour is the product of social conditioning and/or mental illness.

Christian, London, UK

It's silly, people who want the game will illegally download it and play it on their modified consoles. Once again the media are pushing the 'videogames are bad' boat instead of dealing with genuine answers to genuine problems like poverty and overcrowded asylum in the UK.

What will happen if all the violent games get banned, pacman encouraging binge eating? street fighter 2's bonus level encouraging car vandalism? Sadly video games will always have the political finger of condemn pointed at them because its a quick fix to make these people look like they actually have an important job to do.

Chris Keane, Birmingham, UK,

It's a known fact that however hard parents try and protect their children, they can't watch them 24 hours a day. If this game was avaliable, under 18s would get it from somewhere. Do we really need another violent game? there's plenty out there already. And more to the point, do you really want your children to be inacting the part of some violent killer?
Actually, since most of you supposedly grown men seem so up in arms about the ban, the answer is probably yes.

Hanna, Sheffield,

I've played video games for 25 years and have to say that the first Manhunt was the most disturbing game I have played. It was morally repugnant and drew you into the action in such a way, that I felt in a heightened state of alert as I was immersed in this kill or be killed environment. I personally couldn't see any benefit to anyone playing it, and can understand that it could amplify the sociopathic feelings that certainly exist and have always existed in society. What I couldn't explain so easily was why I kept coming back to it until it was finished. I think it may be due to the underlying morbid fascination we have with violence/tragedy, and lets face it, we can go out and legally pick up entertainment that is much worse. The games business is a massive growth industry, and these actions by the BBFC will be seen in a few years as absolutely ridiculous. Nobody can protect decent values any more, because they are at odds with corporate greed and human nature.

Matt Beddoes, Bristol, England

Whilst it is true that Britain's have democratic rights, it is also fair to expect potentially damaging products from reaching consumers. In much the same way as you French refused to eat our beef, Ronnie!

This game, it would appear, has overstepped the boundary of acceptable entertainment. I think that the BBFC has acted responsibly here. The game is in very poor taste and in the hands of young people (who inevitably would get hold of the game) it could do great harm.

It is different from say, a film, in that you can distance yourself from the violence. Manhunt actively encourages the player to take part and celebrates acts of violence. This is all the more disturbing when you think about the way the Wii controller would add to the realism of killing in the game.

I am very surprised that Rockstar did not think they would overstep the mark with this one. I also believe that the BBFC should be congratulated for taking such decisive action. Well done.

Dan, London,

im sorry but the way i see it is the case of when we catch under age children drinking beer we do not bloody ban it from the shelves im sorry but i think this is stupid at the end of the day all do respect to the family that had that tragic incident but what was he doing with a certificate 18 game end of story

sam cwik, worcster, uk

I miss the days when there were no video games, since back then no one ever killed anyone else, had a violent thought or impulse, or committed an act of violence.

Michael, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

i think it is sad that some people believe that a game will make people act it out i played manhunt and it was a great game and it never made me do anythink want to kill any1. video games are the only thing we have to get away from are own lives and do things we will never do. i believe that game stop people going out and doing it in real life cause they can do it on video games i do stress (GAMES) its not real.

Dean, manchester, england

.. and we dare critisise China

Pete, Cov,

I have to say that I think the BBFC have got it right this time. I enjoy playing games and have done for many years. In the case of Manhunt, I think that Rockstar have overstepped the mark.

It is not just the killing, it is the way that killing is praised in the game and the more brutal the execution, the greater the kudos it would seem. A game on which this premise and this premise only is founded, seems a disturbing one.

The original game courted much controversy and only just escaped cencorship. I am surprised Rockstar did not anticipate this. Manhunt 2 is a twisted game which is bound to disturb some individuals. The BBFC has a responsibility to respect consumers, particularly youngsters who we all know would aquire a copy, if not through the naivity of their parents, then from their mates at school.

Coupled with the technology of the Wii mote, which would add a sense of realism to the brutal acts in the game, I think the game takes an even more sinster turn for the worse

Dan, London,

Like many people have said, if you're depraved enough to commit a crime based on a computer game, you're gonna do it anyway. I own lots of violent games, I like violent movies too, but I hate real violence, I won't kill or let anyone else kill a fly in real life! Violent games in my opinion are a good thing, maybe they'll let sickos and murderers get their kicks this way rather than doing it in real life?
That being said, I did go to the same school as the poor boy who was murdered whose mother blamed the game and tried to get it banned, it was awful but I don't think you can blame a game and no link was made by police anyway.
There are far worse things that are REAL on the news everyday that children see. It'd be great if we could protect children from violence, but in a world like ours it unfortunately isn't possible and banning responsible adults from playing these games isn't going to make a bit of difference.

Amy, Leicester, England

Thank god for the internet and its free flow of information.

Watch how many copies of Manhunt 2 get downloaded through torrents.

SoiCowboy, Moscow,

An unfortunate piece of software, no doubt trading on the popularity of the likes of the "Hostel" & "Saw" films series.

Comments as in:
"A paper presented by Saint Leo University in Florida in 2005 suggested that children copied moves they saw in violent games, although no link has been made to killings.", are a totally unbalanced view of this issue, any one of the many alternative 'expert' papers suggest there is no link between this kind of subject matter and real life violence.

Equally unfortunately, the media contributed hype for this title will ensure it becomes a top "top torrent" overnight.

Keith, Kent., U.K.

I feel outraged by the banning of this particular game. It is not that i would necessarily want to play this game or purchase it but more the fact that the decision to do so if i so wished has been taken out of my hands. This is just another completely unnecessary protective measure given by a nanny state.

Beth, Bashley,

It looks a bit morally bankrupt, & not really my cup of tea, but then again I've got American Psycho on my bookshelf and Seven in my DVD collection.
They're all 18+ so what's the big deal?

That said, what's with this trend of 'ultra-realistic murder games'? Mario and Bubble Bobble were infinately more engrossing that lurking in bushes and garotting civilians with cheese wire.

Sean, Melbourne, Vic

None of the comments here against this ban attempts to tackle the specific judgment of the BBFC. As usual in these matters, the "trump card" of "absolute free speech" gets played, as if no-one had ever heard of such crimes as perjury, defamation, fraud and treason. Nor does anyone seem to consider that moral respect for free speech derives from love of neighbour. (Otherwise, why should anyone care about anyone else's speech?) It is consistent with this ethical hierarchy to consider that depiction of the brutal murder of a man or woman in a manner that appears to constitute condonation of such behaviour is something that should be outlawed purely and simply out of respect for the moral value of human beings.

Kevin, London,

The idea that this is unsuitable for children is understandable, the game is clearly not aimed at them and any parent that allows their child to play a game with a rating above the age of their child, needs to be the ones scrutinised, not the game.

In this age I would have hoped that we would be at a stage where we are trusted to make our own decisions and be able to protect those who should not be subjected to this kind of content.

The rest of us who are able to treat this as a work of entertainment and who don't see violent films and instantley go out and start imitating them should not have to miss out.

This is yet another example of how the video games industry is still seen as the naughty little child in the entertainment world.

Jonathan Cole-Dalton, Bexhill, United Kingdom

We're sleep walking into a nanny state because too many people are willing to give up that bitter pill called responsibility.

"I'm too lazy to read the certification on games before I give them to my kid so lets just ban everything that might not be intended for children." When people think like this it's time to start dreading what the future holds.

Gareth, Cornwall,

i have/have owned all of the above games in the past. not to mention Gears of War (18) Tenchu stealth assasins (18) the entire back catologue of GTA series, Condemned Criminal origins (18) Saints Row (18) and a number of other 18 rated games without reprisals of wanting to commit in real life what i see on the screen. all of the above games have graphic violence along the same vein as films books and other media that have been discussed in this thread. Why have us brits become so self aware that we have to be bubble wrapped and proctected from society. I think if anything banning the game is going to cause untold amount of problems for this country. I have played the original manhunt but like all other games I complete it an move on to the next. PGR 3 lets me drive a ferrari f50 gt at 215 mph. not in my lifetime would I be doing that I can tell you!

give us a break BBFC.

Cog, Salford, UK

Nice. Britain banning games. Goes quite nicely with banning the egg advertisement. Doesn't it feel wonderful knowing your country considers you a bunch of babies without the ability to distinguish right from wrong? Glad the gov't is there to save you from your self destructive tendencies. Of course, it's not banned in America. Come visit... And buy it here.

Michelline, Jacksonville, FL, US

Games like Manhunt do not create aggressive/cruel people, violent people are attracted to violent things. Although this game is somewhat extreme in its attitude to entertainment it certinly did not deserve to be banned. In the cinema at the moment there are films of such a grotesque nature that are not being banned, Video games like Manhunt are, belive it or not, pieces of art and should be treated accordingly. I am glad Rockstar have decided not to edit there game in any way, shape or form just to appeal to acolytes of a naany state.

Lawrence Jennings, Carlisle, Cumbria

I own the first game which is astonishingly good i was looking forward to the second one and now it is banned, nanny state gone too far, same with smoking, next it'll be no drinking in pubs....

Rowland, Cambridge,

violent games do not create violent people, violent people play violent games; so therefore banning a game which is an 18 is rather unecessary

bob, maidenhead, england

For heaven's sake. 50 years ago they were blaming Rock 'n' Roll music for corrupting young minds! There is absolutely no proof that violent games or films can influence their consumers.This game is aimed at adults and with an '18' certificate would only be available to adults. So BBFC, please treat us like adults and allow us to decide for ourselves whether or not we would want to buy this game.

A. Buchanan, Lincoln, U.K.

Games, Movies, Books, Music and Comics can all contain violet acts and themes. Some people may copy, most people will not.

I've played computer games for about 25 years, and thus far I have killed and/or mamed exactly 0 people in reality, I have however killed countless aliens, people, zombies, dragons, detroyed entire planets and docked with various motherships... but none of that was real.

Most people on the planet (myslef included) are balanced enough to distinquish between computer game and reality, movies and reality, books and reality etc.

There are a few unbalanced people who will copy what they have read or watched and a tragedy will happen.

Looks like computer games are being blamed at the moment, anyone remember the Hungerford Massacre and Rambo movies?

Rob Farley, Norwich,

I am an avid gamer and have no arguments with this game being banned. Rockstar games have constantly pushed to see how much they can get away with, now they know where the line is. I think game developers will potentially find this becoming more common with the greater graphics abilities of the newer consoles.

The only thing that really annoys me is the amount of coverage this has been given by the press (again), There is no proven link between gaming and violence but instead of focusing on the closing gap between gaming and other forms of media, it instead becomes another "games are evil" story

Simon, Birmingham , UK

This is disgusting, we can't even decide what computer games we want to play now... ITS A GAME for gods sake!

If parents controlled their children and what they do maybe other adults wouldn't be constrained by the effects of this bad parenting and lack of control.

Luke Faichney, Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire

i've had enough of the BBFC saying what is suitable and what is not for the general public. Adults should be permitted to make their own choices and form their own opinions on whether to buy a piece of home entertainment based on its content. It must be remembered, that these games are 18+, not for children and the real problem is reckless parents buying unsuitable video games for their children.

It takes a pretty weak minded individual to start imitating behaviour in a computer game, and the rest of us should'nt have to pay the price for this. I thought the age of the video nasty was over, but it apparently has been reborn in the form of the petty, narrow minded BBFC attacking video games in a vain attempt to shield us from 'unremitting bleakness', its time they grew up and stopped playing mummy.

Patrick Bateman, manchester, u.k

Just out of curiosity, whats the difference between a game like Manhunt and a film such as Hostel or Saw 3? Both have extreme violence but one is more realistic than the other, one is interactive and the other is passive, does that make a difference? Is watching 'realistic slaugther' for entertianment not as bad as 'interacting with non realistic slaughter' for entertainment?

Or is this little more than coming down hard on a relitively new medium much in the way that print, music, Cinema, TV were all supposed to bring on the downfall of society?

Stuart Turner, London,

I'm tired of people trying to blame video games. Yeah video games are going to make kids more violent. So does movies, TV shows, Wrestling , and people's actions. Kids do what they see, but it isn't someone else fault. Blame the parents, they're the one's that need to learn how to be better parents. If they don't their children being violent they need to watch what they watch and make sure they understand it's not real. But parents are lazy these days and all they wanna do is blame someone else with money. Leave the video game business alone. It's rated M for a reason, don't buy it for your child idiot.

Gabriel, Compton, USA, CA

I'm not in favour of any censorship and I do hope that those complaining were similarly incensed at the banning of The Anarchist Cookbook, as all right-thinking people should be .

Still, I can't believe that a 27-year-old is boasting about playing video games and that others are calling Manhunt 2 and violent video games generally "adult games" - er no, they're wretchedly-adolescent-arrested-development games, but hey, we're all kidults now apparently. Truly tragic.

Rose, Glasgow, Scotland

For all you 'Nanny State' people. The article clearly comments that this is the first game banned since the commission was set up, so it's not as if they do it all the time. Somewhere a line has to be drawn, what next a computer game where you lure in a abuse children? Is that acceptable?

Rod , Sydney, Australia

Games are made, like any other media, to get across a particular idea. This game in particular (I, myself, am a possible customer, should the law change or i happen to find the game upon my doorstep completely randomly one day) got across the idea and mentality of sadistic killers and pyscopaths.
Perhaps it is coincidence that this story appears a short while after the vtech massacre, which could have been prevented if people had known about Cho's condition, and the mentality behind mass-murderers. The same can be said about Columbine.

All this decision will do is increase the hype surrounding the game, make people go to extreme lengths to obtain it, and anger the rest.

I wonder, do the BBFC realise that the people who they may see as a 'threat' by playing this game are the same people who will gladly break the law to obtain it?

Martin Pugh, Leicestershire, UK

Realistically, I will be able to buy this game direct from the US (via Ebay or somewhere similar) - or simply download it from the internet through a file sharing service.

So, aside from the obvious infringement of my personal liberty in deciding what games I can, or cannot play, the BBFCs decision will be entirely ineffectual. If kids want to play this game, then they will. The BBFC needs to realise that, in todays world, it is impossible to ban media because people have some many routes of accessing it.

Nick, Edinburgh, Scotland

I'm not surprised that so many are whining about assertions of a video-game-violence-real-life-crime connection. Many still kid themselves about the societal toll sexual pornography takes -- mostly on children, who inevitably suffer the most -- too.

Let's be honest, gamers: We're not talking about Counter-Strike here. The Manhunt series is purely about the cold-blooded murder of mostly unarmed civilians. It's a thrill ride designed to appeal to/create sociopaths and psychopaths who, given the opportunity, would kill in the most cowardly ways possible.

Whether it’s murder porn or the sexual variety, angry denial’s always easier than getting rid of your personal collection. Burrowing deeper into garbage and putting money in the pockets of those who sell it, however, will only make the world a worse place the next time you come out to reality.

If a majority of people would rather have a saner, safer society than allow those who choose to be digital axe murderers/pedophiles to do so, w

J, Fort Worth, USA/Texas

'...Rockstar, which is owned by Take 2 Interactive, an American company, said that it disputed the ruling but had not decided whether to appeal. "...The adult consumers who will play this game fully understand that it is fictional interactive entertainment and nothing more.” ...'

And they can be 100% sure of that can they?

I dont agree that banning the game is the answer because that usually makes a small problem far worse. However it is about time that all media companies including video games makers, film makers, newspapers etc woke up to the influence that they have over, not just children, but the population as a whole. These companies have a huge social responsibility - probably more so than that of any Government - and there seems to be absolutely no legislation to ensure that they take these responibilities seriously. No-one wants Government control over the media but surely there is a happy medium between that and out-of-control profit generating media machines?

Rod Munch, Northampton, UK

Yet another example of the nanny state protecting us from ourselves. Who are you going to release from our overcrowded prisons to make room for someone for 6 months for supplying a video game? I don't like the game, would not allow my kids to play it, but wholeheartedly disagree with spending public resources to ban it. The ban is sure to backfire, guaranteeing it will become a popular underground product. Nanny - you're fired.

Lee Watts, Bucks Horn Oak, Surrey / Hampshire borders

I don’t think prohibiting this kind of game is the best option to avoid people from being violent as I can’t agree that once playing that I’d be encouraged of casual sadism. I agree that some games should be less violent and receive an 18 rating. But the decision of buying or not must be taken by the consumers and without any intervention. A simple game can’t be possible of transforming an adult conscience and spur him to commit violent acts.

Andre Araujo de Oliveira, Vitoria, Brazil

I would think that more people have been killed by people copying games like Need for Speed, and street racing there cars. More people have been killed by that I am sure.

I am 27 and I should be able to chose what games I play. I will be getting the game imported as soon as possible... Nobody is going to tell me what i can and can't play....

Mek0n, Telford,

I think that this is an outrage. I am no fan of the horror genre (film or video game), but that does not give me the right to tell my neighbor that he can’t be. No government has the right to do this, and the British people need to stand up and say so.

As far as access to violent material by children: well is that not the responsibility of the child’s parent?

mike, Morgantown,

So... was this really about the game itself or about the politics? The game was getting good write ups in magazines and the BBFC aren't stupid enough to be drawn into the "games are for kids" mentality that results in so many tabloid journalists being shocked by the content they find.

On the other hand this was an excellent opportunity for the BBFC to show that they have teeth... an opportunity they were earlier denied when "rule of rose" (which unlike Manhunt 2 was getting terrible reviews) was withdrawn by its publisher at the first sign that it might be banned

Paul S., London,

Firstly to prove that violence and murder is not caused by video games and movies is that we are not all murdering each other. If i person is even influenced by a film (which is not proven in any way) then they have such low tolerance anything could have been sparked by anything. All causes such as the caser involving the previous game was an unfounded concern when their sons best friends was his killer (as part of a robbery which you dont do in the game)
Films and others game have dealt with similar content and have even gone further so this ban took me compeltely by surprise!. It seems odd that the media is always blamed when there are many other influences (such as the goverment) that could effect a person.
Also has no one considered how the game deals with the issue of death and its consequences. Even using it to relieve stress in a fake scenario rather than actually hurting a real person. Its only pixels.
I can personally say that i am smart enough to deal with the content.

David Harris-Edmond, London, England

i think manhunt 2 should be unbanned everywhere because some gamers like me love gore and blood. plus i have never become obsessed with a ps2 game before and i've had a ps2 for over 2 yrs. so what manhunt 2 has got x-rated violence like never before, i say that the BBFC can get a life and unban manhunt 2

Russ, Norwich, England

they release 18 films such as saw which has spawned 3 soon to be 4 sequels which show extremely graphic material so why cant they release this game with an 18 certificate. the certificate is there to stop children buying the game if parents buy it for them then it is the parents fault. adults can make their own decisions and selling this game will not increase the murder rate. be realistic

Luke Williams, rhondda,

I am a mother of 4 and I believe that these violent games are dangerous to our young, unlike art or literature they allow you to participate. It is NOT the same as reading or looking. However, the responsiblity should lie with the parents of children to censor video games. Any sensible adult would take right steps to ensure that violent games are not played by their kids. Applying a ban to these games just gains them notoriety and makes them even more appealing.

However, I would also like to say that the company (Legacy Interactive) that decided to use footage of James Bulger in one of its games should be BANNED from producing games. I am disgusted that they would ever consider this to be acceptable, SHAME ON THEM!!

kelly, london, uk

Yes, control what my fragile little mind can and cannot see, as an adult I'm incapable of making my own decisions.

I wasnt interested in this game, now I'm going to buy it in protest.

Dominic, Manchester, UK

Sounds like a fantastic marketing stunt. Every child in the country will want a copy now and someone will make a packet from providing them.

Joel, London,

Eleanor (of York) do you then believe that if ANY movie is rated 18, that 'they're not' movies?

The same sort of media uproar/public outcry was prevalent in the 1920's & 30's with the rising popularity of war/horror comic books, then again in the 1950's & 60's with rock and roll music corrupting our youth and yet again in the 1970's & 80's with the home video/video nasties debate.

The fact that the BBFC has decided to place an outright ban on this product is despicable and will hopefully be fought/overturned in the appeal courts.

Joe, Catrine, Ayrshire

Frankly I think that the idea of the BBFC banning a game on account that they think the content is too adult is sickening. The people of Britain do not need to be Nannied. By taking the choice from the hands of the buyers we are effectively saying that grown adults are incapable of making rational decisions by themselves.
I'd also mention for the record, that in Postal 2 there was no encouragement to commit violent acts. The game was made specifically to 'allow' you to act in violent and depraved manners, but the game itself is entirely possible to complete without ever shedding a drop of blood or using a weapon.

Graeme Strachan, Edinburgh,

More people die from car accidents than psychopaths with sledgehammers, so why not ban car games that "encourage" dangerous driving? This is outrageous, the only people that would commit murder because they have played it in a game are the kind of people who would do it regardless of a game or film. The game should not be banned!

Rob, Wolverhampton,

This is outragous, absolutely no point in banning it. Manhunt is an adult game, no for children. So clearly its the parents fault if their kids go round murdering. Stop blaming it on the makers, and take responsibilty. Shows you what kind of a country the UK is, not long till the concentration camps. Get our act together people!

Mike, Wrexham, Wales

This is a sad day for freedom and a despicable act of censorship. The game is no different in principle from thousands of computer games, books and films before it - kill people.

The justification given for banning it is derisory and basically amounts to the central character not spending enough time in the game planting trees and attending diversity groups.

It smacks of another odious form of censorship - is it porn and, therefore, historically banned due to its 'tendency to deprave or corrupt' or art and therefore watched by a better class of people and exempted.

Chris Jackson, London,

Sir,
Banning a book, banning a computer game. Freedom of...

SC, London, United Kingdom

yet another example of interference in private life by a nanny society.

Gary, Belfast,

I fail to see what appeal games like this can have for the general market. Games in arcades are one thing - there is no involved plotline, and they feel more like target shooting than violent rampages - but having entire scenarios such as a mental patient going on a killing spree is unnecessary, immoral and downright sick. What kind of weirdos dream these 'fun' games up? The most terrifying thing is how popular they are - as far as I'm concerned, if they have to be rated 18 then they're not games, they're just twisted, as well as risky in terms of inciting real violence in susceptible individuals and children - who will get hold of them, no matter what the certificate. They should be banned.

Eleanor, York,

If you brit guys were (sorry, was) living in a true democracy, you would be able to play that game because of some 1st amendment.

Ronnie, Paris, FRANCE