After the BBFC’s decision to ban Rockstar’s Manhunt 2 from UK shelves, the ESRB have given the game an Adults Only rating in the US, potentially obstructing it from ever seeing the light of day.
The thrilling action game (which will be the first ever to recieve an AO rating) was mainly classified due to its horrific portrayal of violence and murder.
The classification has deeper meanings than just a new label on Manhunts box however, as most US stockists (such as Wal Mart and GameStop) have vowed never to sell an AO rated game. Rockstar can appeal this rating and by the looks of things they will be. A spokesperson from Rockstar Games had this to say about the decision:
"The ESRB has issued an initial rating of AO (Adults Only) for Manhunt 2. We believe the process of rating video games is to help people make informed entertainment choices and not to limit them. Manhunt 2 was created for mature audiences and we strongly believe it should receive an M (Mature) rating, aligning it with similar content created in other forms of media. We are exploring our options with regard to the rating of Manhunt 2."
Situations are even more desperate for Rockstar as both Sony and Nintendo have pledged to not allow AO content onto their video gaming platforms.
source - wiiplus
