Ongoing controversy sees Target drop Manhunt 2

Tech News

By Stevie Smith Nov 8, 2007, 13:47 GMT

The videogame controversy bandwagon rumbles on this week with yet more bad omens for Rockstar Games and its much talked about title Manhunt 2. Already the subject of criticism regarding its violent content, ESRB rating arguments, leaked play test versions, regional bans, and content hacks, the contentious videogame has now been officially dropped by U.S. retail chain Target. Massive U.S. retail chain Target Corp. has this week confirmed that it will not carry controversial videogame Manhunt 2. Credit: Target.

Massive U.S. retail chain Target Corp. has this week confirmed that it will not carry controversial videogame Manhunt 2. Credit: Target.Initially slapped with a crippling ‘Adults Only’ rating in the U.S., before voluntary edits saw it reappraised to ‘M for Mature’ by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, Manhunt 2 has once again been thrown into the mire thanks to Minnesota-based Target Corp. citing the recently exposed software hacks as its reason for removing the game from its shelves.The code hacks in question apply to the PlayStation Portable version of the game (it’s also available on PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii) and, when used, allow players to remove the action blur added to certain scenes by developer Rockstar Games and publisher Take-Two in order to warrant the reduced ‘M for Mature’ rating."All video games and computer software sold at Target currently carry ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board – from early childhood through mature audiences," outlined Target to ABCNews in an official statement. "While ‘Manhunt 2’ was given a ‘Mature’ rating by the ESRB, we received additional information that players can potentially view previously filtered content by altering the game code. As a result, we have decided not to carry the game."The game, which officially went on sale on October 31, follows the carnage wrought when a dangerous sociopath escapes from a mental hospital and embarks on a killing spree. It has already been banned completely in the UK after the British Board of Film Classification refused to award it an ‘18’ certificate. Following the unveiling of PSP hacks that revealed the edited violence in Manhunt 2, numerous consumer groups urged the ESRB to reapply its original ‘Adults Only’ rating to the game, which would be potentially fatal as Sony and Nintendo refuse to allow AO titles in their software catalogues. However, the ESRB has refused to alter the ‘M for Mature’ rating, standing firmly behind its decision.

View blog reactions

If you liked this story please support M&C and Buzz the site on Yahoo.

Latest Headlines in Tech

Talkback

There are currently no comments for this article. Be the first to comment! (no registration required)

Latest from M&C Blogs

Debate: did McCain do enough? - Global Eye on September 29, 2008 6:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (22) | TrackBacks (1)

Should Sen. John McCain's health records be made public? - Global Eye on September 15, 2008 8:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (50) | TrackBacks (0)

Propaganda and the campaign for president - Global Eye on September 9, 2008 7:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0)

London Film Festival - Dean Spanley - London Calling on October 6, 2008 9:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Raindance Film Festival: Gardens Of The Night - London Calling on October 6, 2008 9:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

London Film Festival - IL DIVO Review - London Calling on October 1, 2008 3:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport - The World in Pictures on October 2, 2008 4:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Devotee to Chinese Shrine of Sapam has face pierced - The World in Pictures on October 2, 2008 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Indian Muslims offer prayers on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr - The World in Pictures on October 2, 2008 4:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Tech

Ongoing controversy sees Target drop Manhunt 2

Tech News

Latest Headlines in Tech

Talkback

Latest from M&C Blogs

Similar articles

In Monsters and Critics

Corporate

The Fine Print