It's been 24 hours since the axe fell over the future of Manhunt 2. How are things shaking down in the games industry after yesterday's crippling tag team takedown?
For those just tuning in: the drama kicked off on Tuesday in the UK with an official retail ban from the British Board of Film Classification. A few hours later, the US-based Entertainment Software Ratings Board followed suit by slapping an Adults Only rating (aka "The Kiss of Retail Death") on the game, essentially banning it from being sold over-the-counter at big box retailers and family friendly outlets like Wal-Mart.
Manhunt's profit forecast is now severely crippled and ultimate future uncertain. How's Rockstar taking that one? As you might expect, the company is pretty upset with the BBFC's decision overseas. Their position was clarified this morning in an official statement, which reads:
"We are disappointed with the recent decision by the British Board of Film Classification to refuse classification of Manhunt 2. While we respect the authority of the classification board and will abide by the rules, we emphatically disagree with this particular decision.
Manhunt 2 is an entertainment experience for fans of psychological thrillers and horror. The subject matter of this game is in line with other mainstream entertainment choices for adult consumers.
We respect those who have different opinions about the horror genre and video games as a whole, but we hope they will also consider the opinions of the adult gamers for whom this product is intended. We believe all products should be rated to allow the public to make informed choices about the media and art they wish to consume. The stories in modern video games are as diverse as the stories in books, film and television. The adult consumers who would play this game fully understand that it is fictional interactive entertainment and nothing more."
The company is certainly within their rights to be pissed at the various ratings agencies right now. Well-known industry financial analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan believes the collective decision to cripple Manhunt 2's sales will cost parent publisher Take-Two Interactive millions. He explains his reasoning at legal blog GamePolitics.
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