Manhunt 2 First Game To Be Banned In UK For 10 Years
Manhunt 2 has become the first video game to be banned in the UK since Camageddonwas banned 10 years ago. The original Manhunt was linked to the death of a 14 year-old boy. According to the sensors the game has been banned because The sequel has been banned because:
“Manhunt 2 is distinguishable from recent high-end video games by its unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone. There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game.”
I find it really hard to believe that violent films or music make people do bad things or copycat acts. To be honest I think that most of the people who claim to have been spurred on by violent games, probably would have done something awful even if they hadn’t been playing violent games.
I do believe though in making sure that kids don’t get to play violent games. I’m stunned sometimes when I see some of the games that kids are playing in their bedrooms. Sometimes I’m not sure if the parents don’t realise what their kids or up to, or if they don’t care. Whenever my nephews come round my pad, they are only allowed to play PGR3 and all the other games like halo and GRAW are stored away.
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Comment by Martin on 20 June 2007:
I personally think that banning a game is the absolute wrong way. I think we all agree that certain games are not suitable for minors but I strongly disagree that the state or some official institution should ban or censor media for adults.
It is solely the responsibility of adults to make sure that their kids don’t come into contact with this type of games. It is the responsibility of the shop owners and clerks to sell games only to people that may legally purchase such a game.
Comment by Dennis Bjørn Petersen on 20 June 2007:
I’m surprised that Britain has banned this game and not the US. Does anyone seriously think they can ban a game? Now the game will just be even more interesting. So the ones that want it simply download it from some filesharing service.
This is something the parents should take care of instead. As Everton mentions, those that are affected by the violence in games will probably do something bad sooner or later anyway.
Comment by Fabizal on 21 June 2007:
this game is sickening i can see why they banned it.
Comment by Fabizal on 21 June 2007:
this game shouldnt be allowed
Comment by Mosey on 21 June 2007:
I think it’s a good idea to ban it - as a first line of prevention. The only thing that they shouldn’t promote the ban, and generate this much media interest in the banning, because it just raises awareness in the wrong way.
On the debate of whether people would carry out a violent action with or without the influence of violent games: I don’t know. However, isn’t it better not to take chances and ensure it’s not readily available *first* on the highstreet? Yes, people will be able to download it from random sources, but that will then become their own responsibility (and hopefully easier for parents to prevent children from playing these games)
Finally: One just has to question the minds of those who programmed this game.
Comment by David Lightfoot on 6 August 2007:
I absolutely agree it should be banned. I know for a fact that different media affects the way you feel.
I am a man in his mid 40’s and about 12 years ago suddenly got a liking for hiphop music - now it did not make me go out and commit murder or become a bad person but after a few years of listening to that music you do start to view life in the way it is portrayed in gangsterish hip hop etc - eg: Life is against you and maybe its right to carry a gun etc, and perhaps do a big robbery etc - there is a lifestyle ethos which levels capitalism to its base element - IE I have to consume and that takes money and I will get money even by bad means if I have to.
In the context of these games such as grand theft auto etc what are we teaching kids ? where are the games of co-operation and team achievement that relies on positive building rather than negative destruction. Making a violent character a hero implies that society applauds the individual even if they are bad.