Manhunt 2 Banned in UK, Given AO Rating In US

The British Board of Film Classification gave Manhunt 2 an offcial retail ban on Tuesday and just a few hours later, the US led Entertainment Software Ratings Board (aka ESRB) slapped it with an Adults Only rating. The Adults Only rating pretty much nails Manhunt 2 to a proverbial cross by limiting where the game will be sold. Huge outlets like Wal-Mart won't carry the title or video game specific stores like EB Games. Take Two Interactive and Rockstar Games pretty much have 3 choices in order for them to turn a profit and get the game out to as many consumers as possible.

The List Of Choices

1) Ship the game as is
2) Go back and tweak the game so it gets an M rating
3) Scrap the game

If Take Two and Rockstar go with option one they risk losing millions, if they pursue option two they would have higher sales and higher costs, and finally if they go with three they would cut and run and lose millions. Option three is unlikely considering most of the money used is now a "sunk cost" (I knew economics would help me out) and would actually save more money by just finishing Manhunt 2. Many people are crying foul and that this is all related to current politics. However, the BBFC is independent of its government so it doesn't really profit by banning the game from the UK, the ESRB though is a different story. Many believe the ESRB felt pressure from the Campaign For A Commercial-Free Childhood's. The websites well-known anti-Manhunt petition automates its e-mails to go directly to the mailbox of ESRB President Patricia Vance. There is also the talks about replacing the ESRB with a government-mandated oversight committee. So what does Rockstar and Take Two do from here? When more news is released I'll be sure to keep you updated.