June 21, 2007
As the mushroom cloud formed by this week's multi-national nuking of Manhunt 2 begins to dissipate, it's clear that the game - in its present AO form - will never see the light of day on console (PS2, Wii) or handheld (PSP) hardware.That's because neither Sony nor Nintendo will license an AO game to run on their systems.
According to most reports, that leaves publisher Take Two with the Hobson's choice of either spending substantial money to edit the game down to an M-rating or canceling the project entirely.
But there is, perhaps, a third option.
A PC port of Manhunt 2 would avoid the licensing issues imposed by console manufacturers. The original had a PC version that appeared in April, 2004, about five months after Manhunt debuted on PS2. A PC version would, however, still face an uphill battle at retail, since the majors won't stock AO rated games.
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Comments
Re: Could AO-rated Manhunt 2 Be Released on PC?
I from Russia.
Americans, You can make a good thing? Or only to bomb Iraq?
Just release MH2!
Re: Could AO-rated Manhunt 2 Be Released on PC?
Manhunt 2 was produced in the UK, not in the US.
Re: Could AO-rated Manhunt 2 Be Released on PC?
tell me your a troll, or ill smash you.
Re: Could AO-rated Manhunt 2 Be Released on PC?
when will the pc version be released? ROCKstar & ROLL is dead ;/
Re: Could AO-rated Manhunt 2 Be Released on PC?
If They Release Manhunt 2 for PC It's Too Fucking great Believe IT.
Fuck'em Up . If they don't release IT.
Re: Could AO-rated Manhunt 2 Be Released on PC?
Find yourself an PSP emulator software,use it to instal PSP version of Manhunt 2 on your PC and play.
I'd buy the AO rated version for PC.
I see your point but isn't it possible for this big stir to motivate PC gamers to buy the AO version?
But now that I think about it I still think I agree with you on how it would take away sales from the edited version.
Their real choices are slim, either cut it down to make it more M rated or release it only through Internet orders like the Postal series.
If Take-Two is serious in that they believe it has an artistic merit they will do the latter and release it through the Internet for PC only, cutting out the retailers who refuse to carry it & the console licenses. Taking a hit in the sales.
If Take-Two is just really in it to make a quick buck off of the controversy it'll be cut down so that it can receive an M rating and release it on all the consoles.
Now if they were into justice they would force any retailer who contracted to purchase so many copies to actually purchase them. I doubt it is possible though it would really depend on the contracts Take Two has signed with their distributors.
My own suspicion is a general release of an 'M' rated version in a few months time, maybe sooner, depends how prepared Rockstar were for this possibility, followed by Manhunt 2Xtreme or something later down the line. Probably direct from site or limited edition box set from 'select' retailers that'll burn a huge hole in your wallet.
If Rockstar does either, they'll look like pussies and lose a ton of credibility.
Say "No" to censorship - buy Rockstar Brand games.
Basically, this game, I am almost utterly certain, will be toned down.
I can't find much information on why Manhunt 2 would get tagged as such, aside from the Wii controller allowing people to carry out the acts of violence themselves. This is rather moot, since people user 17 aren't supposed to play the game under the existing rating system anyway.
I suspect the gameplay itself would change little, you may see some graphical changes, not just in 'gore' level, but in 'atmosphere' level as well, in essence, making it less 'phsychological' and more 'horror thriller'.
I find this astounding. They are worried about gamers doing BS like this, and yet--a mob beat a man to death with their bear hands--a man who did nothing. And yet, here are the politicians the world over squabbling about video games. Yeah, there's something wrong with this picture.
I first read that as Manhunt 2 - Al Gore Edition... O_o
Then I got this image in my head with the main character being replaced by Al Gore sneaking around killing all those who oppose him in his crusade to make sure no one can challenge his position/agenda.
A toned-down version for Wii and PS2/PSP release and a "Director's Cut" for either PC or Xbox Live would probably be the simplest solution. But, ideally, Rockstar will appeal to the ratings board or Nintendo and Sony will allow the content to play on their machines.
I understand that Sony and Nintendo are probably worried that allowing one Ao game to hit their consoles will open the floodgates to any type of content being released on their systems. But, the reality is that the respective companies still have to license each title on their platform. Instead of a sweeping "No Ao Games" policy, a case-by-case analysis should be used. Just because Manhunt 2 is licensed doesn't mean these companies are obligated to license "Hentai Bikini Porn Fun 2."
That said, I don't feel like there's a reason HBPF2 shouldn't be released. More adults play video games now than ever, yet the medium is still not regarded in the same way as other mediums. With movies, music, literature, and even comicbooks people have a choice of what type of subject matter they wish to consume. The latest breed of horror films have become known as "torture porn" and these films enjoy massive box office success, yet we can't even buy Manhunt 2?
A lot of this has to do with a huge flaw in the videogame industry: we lack choice. Consoles play games specifically made for that machine that must by licensed by the console's manufacturer. There aren't any true alternatives, no “clone” systems. If Sony suddenly declared that its DVD players would no longer play DVDs that Sony didn't deem appropriate, would anyone buy one? Of course not; you have the choice to go buy another brand of DVD player and enjoy the same content. But we do not have that type of choice in the videogame market.
When did we become a country so worried about hurting others feelings that we are willing to forfeit our rights? When did we become a place that will sacrifice freedom to turn a profit?
I didn’t even like the first Manhunt and I know this is just one game, but it stands for so much more than that.
If nothing else, Rockstar, could this game leak its way to the Internet (a la Thrill Kill)?
Shame on you Rockstar - you've shown you can do so much better than this in the past.
What's Blu-Ray and HD-DVD? It's specifically that.
Really, I don't care about Manhunt 2 AO rating. They tried pushing the envelope even more then they already did and got hit by the hammer. Is it wrong that it's being banned and restricted? Probably not. It will teach game companies that there is something, even in art, that's too much. People who say "torture porn" is extremely successful should look at the fact that most of those movies enjoy limited release at best, and quite a few of them crash and burn, while a few "mainstream" ones make a hefty profit.
And kudos to Nintendo and Sony for sticking to their guns. Designers should focus on the content and design of a game rather then "how violent/untasteful can we make this to get free publicity from Thompson and Co".
Xbox Live would still require MS's permission, which might be a problem, and those titles are restricted to a small size which Manhunt 2 won't fit in.
However you bring an interesting point: online distribution. Rockstar could release a PC port through Gametap or Steam, which are not as strict on ratings I believe. These online distributors are becoming increasingly more popular and a serivce like Steam could benefit greatly by having exclusive distribution rights to a game like Manhunt 2. It would certainly cement the brand name for the big hardcore PC audience.
And why shouldn't they release it there anyway? All the GTA games except for the Stories games are available on PC as well. Okay - Bully wasn't released for PC for some reason. But there's really no reason why they shouldn't do that. That'd make them easier to sell, too. At least in Germany AO games can be bought in most of the bigger stores or spechalised smaller video game stores.
Is it wrong that it’s being banned and restricted?
Sure as hell its wrong! Conformity is the disease of society, and not kudos for Nintendo and Sony. You, dear child, are clearly in the wrong. The game was not made to get free publicity, it was made to fill a demand that is on the edge of what currently accept to be the culture limit of virtual entertainment.
It is not for anyone, not Rockstar, not Sony, Nintendo, Wal-Mart, BestBuy, the Government or anyone else to determine what it is I watch and enjoy. That choice is purely and simply mine and mine alone, and anyone who attempts to take the right from me will face the full brunt of my fury.
I've said it before -- I will never play Manhunt 2--ever. It's not my cup of tea, but does that mean others shouldn't have the option to play it? No, absolutely not. My choice is my choice and doesn't extend beyond me.
Step 2 - Have second version of game already designed that will meet 'Rated M' standards
Step 3 - Submit Over-the-edge version
Step 4 - Wait for outrage and rating of AO
Step 5 - Bemoan your fate
Step 6 - Release version you already had designed for just this possibility.
Step 7 - Martyr + Money = WIN!
Damn, I just might be a tad cynical...
The Blu-Ray vs HD-DVD is a different scenario, they are competing over the movie studios to get the movies to there platform. They aren't denying the studios the ability to make the movie for the platform, they want the studios to make movies for their platform. Plus how do you know Rockstar was pushing the envelope for free publicity, maybe they just kept going with the track they were on and ended at the AO rating.
I like GoodRobotUs's idea about the fading to black. The game got the rating because of prolonged scenes of violence. Maybe Rockstar could make it so that if the player kills so many people in a certain amount of time, or for a prolonged amount of time, they pass out due to some strange reason that might not even be realistically possible. Then the excessive violence is no longer possible because the player can't continue to kill people.
The only thing that makes this different is its in the news and people know about it. Which will cause an uproar of stupid people when the game is release and its rated M for mature.
You man, you really seem like you have something against R*. I've seen you basically screaming that you hope they die because of this, or do you just hate all game companies that make "distasteful" games?
If T2/R* backs down, their dominating position in the games market and their incredibly big name will go down a notch, or two or twenty. That is the end result that shareholders would really, really, regret. Put it to you this way, if they release a watered down version of this game, not only will it not sell - they will lose a lot of respect at the same time. That loss will affect furture value and future sales.
On the other hand, the credibility and name brand will increase if T2/R* fight the watch dogs, release an AO game and essentially act like rockstars. Which I hope they do.
Too True. I agree 110%
Sometimes I wonder why people wish this to be prohibited. They can turn their heads, close their ears and ignore it. Trust me it works. I do it to mainstream pop-culture to the point where I constantly don't know who famous actors and actresses are when friends talk about them. I really don't have any interests in it all either so it really doesn't bother me because I choose not to pay attention to it.
Maybe people secretly want to look at things and in this case play them and that makes them feel guilty so instead of having it there temping them they want to remove the urge by having it prohibited... oh the ever so sweet vision of a character strangling one with their very own entrails while blood flows from their stomach like a geyser from the bowels of a demon freshly and violently violated by Satan himself... just way to tempting and you don't want to feel like your doing something that isn't pure and good.... Just a theory.(sorry, couldn't resist)
There is never too much when it comes to art. Well if you want to say you live in a free country at least. If you think that art can go too far then I guess you should admit that you don't want to live in a free country... Just another theory to ponder.
"“If Sony suddenly declared that its DVD players would no longer play DVDs that Sony didn’t deem appropriate, would anyone buy one?”
What’s Blu-Ray and HD-DVD? It’s specifically that."
The Blu-Ray HD-DVD situation is entirely different. Sony exercises control over what games can be released for it's PS2 based on content. This is not the case with Sony-back Blu-Ray. Blu-Ray movies are not restricted on content, and Sony Blu-Ray players will play whatever movies the studioes release. And, if they don't, you have the option to by a different brand of Blu-Rau player. There is competition in the Blu-Ray market. Your argument fails on several points because it is entirely distinguishable.
@Maurice
"“A toned-down version for Wii and PS2/PSP release and a “Director’s Cut” for either PC or Xbox Live would probably be the simplest solution.”
Xbox Live would still require MS’s permission, which might be a problem, and those titles are restricted to a small size which Manhunt 2 won’t fit in."
In the paragraph directly above that quote I already stated that MS would still have to license the title. But, the download restriction isn't that big of a hurdle. Downloads are no longer restricted to 50 MB and Microsoft has shown that it is willing to increase its size limits for particular titles. Further, it doesn't have to be a "Live Arcade" title specifically, which is the only thing the size restrictions pertain to. MS allows the download of huge files all the time: HD movies, game demos, Halo 3 and Shadowrun Betas, Etc.
They can always realease a special edition later for more profit, but why reduce your available market by 80-90% on first release? Yes, they'll lose 'rep' with a percentage of the gaming community, but that's a problem to be solved tomorrow, making Manhunt 2 a releasable game is a problem to deal with today.