Nintendo and Sony prevent Manhunt 2 release
Adults Only rating forces Rockstar re-think
With the BBFC having effectively banned Manhunt 2 from sale in the United Kingdom, it now appears as if things may have gone from bad to worse for publisher Rockstar, with platform holders Nintendo and Sony both refusing to allow the game to be released on their platforms in the United States - in the wake of the ESRB slapping an 'Adults Only' rating on the new game.
Corporate policy at both firms prevent 'AO'-rated games from being released on their platforms, with Sony clarifying this morning that Manhunt 2 will thusly be prevented from reaching the PSP or PS2. "As stated on Nintendo.com, Nintendo does not allow any AO-rated content on its systems," added Nintendo on the subject.
AO-rated products are more than a little taboo in the USA, with leading retailer Wal-Mart also refusing to sell products carrying the rating. It now looks likely that Rockstar will be forced to appeal against the ESRB's rating, or rework the title so that it might obtain a lower certification. With the game also being banned in the UK, it now looks likely that Rockstar may have to return Manhunt 2 to the cutting-room, despite an originally scheduled July 10th launch.
More news on this soon. Inevitably.
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