29 September 2004
NEWS RELEASE
Manhunt refused classification upon review
A four-member panel of the Classification Review Board has determined, in a majority 3 to 1 decision, that the computer game entitled Manhunt be refused lassification.
Refused Classification means the game cannot be legally sold, hired, advertised or exhibited in Australia. Any existing stocks of this game held by retailers must be removed from shelves immediately.
In the Classification Review Boards opinion, the game warrants a refusal of classification because it contains elements beyond those set out in the classification guidelines and legislation for a computer game at the MA15+ classification.
Specifically, it contains some depictions of high impact, as well as scenes of blood and gore that go beyond strong. It also contains a high impact theme.
The Classification Review Board convened to review the MA15+ classification of the computer game in response to an application from the Attorney-General, on the request of the Western Australian Minister with censorship responsibilities, Michelle Roberts, Minister for Justice.
In reviewing the classification, the Classification Review Board worked within the framework of the National Classification Scheme, applying the provisions of the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995, the National Classification Code and the Guidelines for the Classification of Films and Computer Games.
The Classification Review Board is an independent merits review body. It meets in camera to make a fresh classification decision when applications to review classification matters previously determined by the Classification Board are made.
The Classification Review Boards reasons for this decision will appear on the OFLC website when finalised.
Nathan Barley said:MCV just revealed that BBFC (responsible for age classfication) have refused Manhunt 2 for PS2 and Wii. So it's unlikely to get a release.
Boo!
wormstrangler said:I think the OFLC (Australian board) will refuse classification. Which effectively bans the game from sale.
It happened to the Manhunt 1...
Nathan Barley said:MCV just revealed that BBFC (responsible for age classfication) have refused Manhunt 2 for PS2 and Wii. So it's unlikely to get a release.
Boo!
BGBW said:Can't PEGI still do the rating?
JonathanEx said:Bullshit. Absolute bullshit. There can be no good reason for this, except political pressure. I hardly believe it's worse than the LEGALLY ENFORCABLE 18 RATING. Don't they also have R18, the restricted one?
Edit: Actually, R18 is for restricted porn. That can't be worse than Manhunt 2 though.
It's politics, it's got to be.
The Board will attempt to deal with films, videos or DVDs which are unacceptable at any category through intervention such as making cuts or requiring the addition of warning captions. If this is not possible or not acceptable to the distributor, works may be refused classification altogether. Taboo themes are acceptable, but not if their treatment is likely to encourage harm to viewers or, through their behaviour, to society. The following are of particular concern:
* graphic rape or torture
* sadistic violence or terrorisation
* illegal and glamorised drug use
* material likely to incite racial hatred or violence
* portrayals of children in a sexualised or abusive context
* sex accompanied by non-consensual pain, injury or humiliation
* material likely to be found obscene by the courts.
JonathanEx said:* graphic rape or torture
* sadistic violence or terrorisation
* illegal and glamorised drug use
* material likely to incite racial hatred or violence
* portrayals of children in a sexualised or abusive context
* sex accompanied by non-consensual pain, injury or humiliation
* material likely to be found obscene by the courts.
Although the difference should not be exaggerated the fact of the games unrelenting focus on stalking and brutal slaying and the sheer lack of alternative pleasures on offer to the gamer, together with the different overall narrative context, contribute towards differentiating this submission from the original Manhunt game.
That work was classified 18 in 2003, before the BBFCs recent games research had been undertaken, but was already at the very top end of what the Board judged to be acceptable at that category.
Against this background, the Boards carefully considered view is that to issue a certificate to Manhunt 2, on either platform, would involve a range of unjustifiable harm risks, to both adults and minors, within the terms of the Video Recordings Act, and accordingly that its availability, even if statutorily confined to adults, would be unacceptable to the public.
Mar_ said:Retards. Of course, only kids play video games.
Setanta said:What would happen if North America will follow BBFC?? ESRB Will no doubt look at this news.
Thing is the BBFC stands for British Board of Film Classification, notice 'Film', yet they have a say what is and not released. The PEGI classification has no input, which it should.
In Ireland (U.K's Neighbour) hopefully the game can be released! Here is a quote from Wikipedia: Video games
Unlike the BBFC in the UK, which rates video games that meet certain criteria (such as very graphic violence), the Irish Film Censor's Office does not usually rate video games, leaving ratings to PEGI, unless the game's content is deemed prohibitable under section 3 (1) of the Act. Two games rated by the Irish Film Censor's Office are Grand Theft Auto III and Manhunt, which were given an 18 rating. A video game will only be examined for rating if its PEGI rating is 18+.
snack said:I thought Manhunt 2 was not as disturbing as Manhunt 1 and didn't that get released in the UK.
You mean its a violation of free speech because their not allowed to release a very violent game?Windu said:yay for free speach!:lol
snack said:I thought Manhunt 2 was not as disturbing as Manhunt 1 and didn't that get released in the UK.
Kinan said:Thats the only game I'm glad that its banned in Germany, so UK board decision pleases me immensely. **** the freedom of choice, if society is not conscious enough to protect itself from clearly asocial messages of this game (by choosing not to buy such a game at all), at least an attempt of protection should be made by governments.
Kinan said:Thats the only game I'm glad that its banned in Germany, so UK board decision pleases me immensely. **** the freedom of choice, if society is not conscious enough to protect itself from clearly asocial messages of this game (by choosing not to buy such a game at all), at least an attempt of protection should be made by governments.
Sule said:Wouldn't surprise me if motion controls had anything to do with it. Plus from what I know they only play the game on one platform(?). So ban stick for one platform COULD automatically mean banned for the other platform too.
Maybe the same can happen again.MCV said:The only other game to ever be rejected by the body was Carmageddon in 1997, though that decision was overturned by the Video Appeals Committee.
hirokazu said:Oh shit, I was going to import the UK version since it's most likely going to be banned in Australia (or they won't even bother submitting it to them). Which other European version will have English?