Gamers Respond to Manhunt 2 Debacle

June 27, 2007

Earlier this week I summarized the furor over Manhunt 2, Rockstar's splatterfest that's been basically banned for sale in the U.K. and tentatively given an adult-only rating here in the 'States. Check out GameSpy's Preview for a look at the content. The game hasn't been released yet, so it likely will go through some serious editing in order to fit within the 'M' rating for release. I asked what you guys thought about it, and while opinions about the game were all over the map, most gamers agreed they should have the right to at least make up their own minds about it:

"If I can't buy the film Saw and the game Manhunt 2 at the same counter, at the same time, having the same age then something is wrong." -Maxx

"As a 37 (almost 38) year old gamer, who grew up playing since Pong and Space Invaders were around, I have to agree that it should be my choice as to what games I pick and choose to play... I would be happy to give Manhunt 2 a go-round, but it appears that gamers as a whole are being told what they can play based solely on what parents of the younger gamers want them to play, and none of what the older gamers want." -Mark. T.


Some of you aimed your criticism at Rockstar:

"I think Rockstar needs to stop making these games. Not because I find the content offensive, I don't, but because the industry (Or perhaps, the public) simply isn't ready to handle it. Relatively speaking, gaming is still young, and with all the heat constantly coming down from governments and other groups, the last thing we need is Rockstar pushing the envelope and getting us into deeper sh*t. As much as they should be able to make a game like Manhunt 2, it just isn't healthy for the industry right now." -The Quality Jeverage

I have to disagree with Jeverage, despite his quality. The truth is, somebody is going to be making games that will get public attention by pushing the envelope. I'd prefer to have Rockstar on the front lines, because the company has shown again and again a commitment to backing up the shock value with actual gameplay. Grand Theft Auto is fun. Bully is at times genius. I give Rockstar credit for trying to create real games.

Of course, some of you disagree with me. Lordomatic here thinks Rockstar is just trying to make noise:

"Rockstar is going for shock value... I think Rockstar has made an excessively realistic murder simulator. Don't get me wrong, I am all for AO video game content but, lets be honest, Rockstar will most likely alter something in the game to give it a M-rating and ride the controversy to some excellent sales. Market ploy or just trying too hard to be the bad boy on the block and keeping up their rep?" -Lordomatic

Finally, Mistirious aims some criticism at the ratings boards for muddying the issue:

"Personally I believe the use of the ERSB / BBFC and other rating organizations is to give people an indication of what they might be buying. So that they don't get unexpected stuff when they boot the game. Also it is for parents being able to prevent their kids from playing extreme games. Then what would be the use of not rating a game?! This is just removing the sole purpose of the rating organizations." -Mistirious

Thanks to everyone who wrote in!

      -Fargo

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