Violent computer game banned in UK for its 'casual sadism'

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) rejected Manhunt 2 on the grounds of its "casual sadism" and "unrelenting focus on stalking and brutal slaying".

The game "constantly encourages visceral killing", it said.

The BBFC's ruling means the game cannot be legally supplied anywhere in the UK.

It is the first video game to be refused a classification since 1997.

David Cooke, director of the BBFC, said: "Rejecting a work is a very serious action and one which we do not take lightly. Where possible we try to consider cuts or, in the case of games, modifications which remove the material which contravenes the Board's published guidelines.

"In the case of Manhunt 2, this has not been possible.

"Manhunt 2 is distinguishable from recent high-end video games by its unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone in an overall game context which constantly encourages visceral killing with exceptionally little alleviation or distancing.

"There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game."

The original Manhunt game was given an 18 classification in 2003 and was "at the very top end of what the Board judged to be acceptable at that category", he said.

"Although the difference should not be exaggerated, the fact of the game's 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," Cooke explained.

"Against this background, the Board's 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."

Manhunt 2, for PS2 and Nintendo Wii consoles, is made by Rockstar Games.

The company has six weeks to submit an appeal. The last game to be refused classification was Carmageddon in 1997. The BBFC's decision was overturned on appeal.

The original Manhunt game caused huge controversy and was blamed for the murder of a 14-year-old schoolboy.

Stefan Pakeerah was stabbed and beaten to death in Leicester in February 2004.

His parents believe the killer, Warren LeBlanc, 17, was inspired by the game.

Police and lawyers involved in the trial said there was no evidence that Manhunt had played a part in the murder.

Stefan's mother, Giselle Pakeerah, had condemned the sequel, branding the gaming industry "morally irresponsible".