Rockstar finally appeals BBFCâ??s Manhunt ban

Develop sister magazine MCV has learnt that Rockstar has lodged an official plea with the Video Appeals Committee over Manhunt 2’s ban – the UK body that has the power to overturn the British Board of Film Classification’s decision to keep the title off shelves.

The publisher notified the VAC on Tuesday – taking almost the full six weeks allowed to formulate its appeal since the game was rejected by the BBFC on June 19th.

A date will now be set for the VAC’s hearing, which will take into account both the BBFC’s and Rockstar’s position and view demonstrations of the game.

The chairman of the VAC John Woods now has the task of deciding who will hear Rockstar’s appeal – and decide Manhunt 2’s ultimate fate. The title was rejected by the BBFC for its ‘unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone’.

Verifying MCV’s report, Take Two released a statement saying: "Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. confirmed today that Rockstar Games has appealed the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) decision that prohibited the release of any version of Manhunt 2 in Britain."