Nintendo Wii News
BBFC demands Judicial Review in Manhunt 2 squabble
By Stevie Smith
Dec 17, 2007, 12:54 GMT

The ongoing squabble between the British Board of Film Classification and Take-Two Interactive looks to be heading for yet deeper water this week, despite indications that the controversial game would perhaps be hitting UK stores in the New Year.

More pointedly, news has emerged today that the BBFC is seeking a judicial review of the recent decision issued by the Video Appeals Committee overturning the Board’s initial refusal to grant Rockstar Games-developed Manhunt 2 with an age classification.

An official release by the BBFC states that the Board is contesting the VAC’s decision because "in the Board’s view, it is based on an approach to harm which is an incorrect interpretation of the Video Recordings Act."

The Board also notes that, if allowed to stand, the VAC judgement "would have fundamental implications with regard to all the Board’s decision, including those turning upon questions of unacceptable levels of violence."

If the BBFC is successful in securing a judicial review, the VAC’s recent decision will be suspended and Manhunt 2 will not receive any form of classification prior to the review’s outcome.

Take-Two Interactive gained a victory in its drive to remove Manhunt 2’s ban early last week when the VAC ruled in its favour against the BBFC’s initial decision. It was believed at that point that the game could well arrive on retail shelves as early as Q1 2008 if the BBFC decided not to pursue the matter further.

It would appear that further action is indeed being taken and that the controversial Manhunt 2 roller coaster is set to rumble on for a while yet.