Manhunt 2 Issued AO Rating, Game Industry Won't Support It
Published June 22, 2007
Manhunt 2 stands on becoming one of the most important video games of all time. It's challenging everything, from how much violence gamers can stand, how far the envelope can be pushed, the ratings system, and it's butting heads with a worldwide outcry from a very vocal group of anti-game activists.
The significance of Manhunt 2 is simple. It would be the first AO (Adults Only) rated game planned for wide release on a console, three actually. Sony's PSP and PlayStation 2, along with Nintendo's Wii were set to host this sequel to the 2003 multi-million seller in less than a month. Also, Rockstar was set to release it, but after the ESRB handing out the dreaded "Adults Only" rating, it cannot happen.
Neither Sony or Nintendo will allow the game to be released for their hardware, and it's the heaviest handed slap in the face the game industry has ever seen. Both companies know the backlash they would receive if this game, or any AO rated title, could be played on their hardware.
Blame can be placed on many. Outspoken (and certainly over spoken) anti-game critics such as Jack Thompson or Keith Vaz have littered the mainstream media with falsehoods that have somehow become common knowledge and taken as truth. Media groups such as the Parents Television Council speak loudly, even if their numbers represent a minute portion of the country. The major retailers such as Best Buy and Wal-Mart refuse to stock AO rated games.
However, for as much grief, frustration, and headline grabbing debates the latter group has caused, they're not to blame for the negative backlash to Manhunt 2.
The blame lays squarely on the industry itself.
Where is the Electronic Consumers Association or the Electronic Software Association? Their (the ECA) goal is "to serve the needs of those who play computer and video games." They're not serving my needs, and they're sure as hell not serving yours. They should be screaming at every single retailer in the U.S. to knock down the pre-conceived notions as to the AO rating, pointing out the obvious hypocrisy as they stock unrated or NC-17 rated films.
Sony and Nintendo should both be welcoming any publisher's game content with open arms. Assuming you've purchased their consoles, you've paid for the privilege to play games created on their hardware. They're denying you that opportunity based not on morals, but purely on fear for their reputation by people who don't even play video games. Along with the ECA, they should be on the front lines defending the artistic rights of every game developer on every news network picking up this story.
If you want the industry you're reaping billions of dollars in profits from to be taken seriously as art, you need to treat it as such. Standing aside and watching the opposition thrash, demean, and slander what you're creating is nothing short of cowardice. This is about far more than violent, exploitative, and sexual game content, yet apparently no one seems to care. This is especially disheartening coming from those who stand to make the most money.
Matt Paprocki is the former reviews editor for Digital Press. The deep game collection, which spans nearly 30 systems and 2,000 games, lines his walls for research purposes. Matt strives to bring credibility to video game journalism, and to aid the industry in becoming respected with all forms of entertainment media. He currently freelances for GameArgus.com and MultiPlayerGames.com.
- Manhunt 2 Issued AO Rating, Game Industry Won't Support It
- Published: June 22, 2007
- Type: Opinion
- Section: Gaming
- Writer: Matt Paprocki
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Comments on this articleComments
Jack, to sit here and list the number of lies you've spread over the years would take months. It's not even worth debating it with you anymore.
Small list of BS spread by Jack: The Sims 2 nudity absurdity, Bully being a Columbine simulator, the Louisiana bill being constitutional, the V-Tech shooter video game link, and that's off the top of my head.
Oh and let's not forget my personal favourite, blatant expilict sex in Killer 7. Oh such glorious BS.
And for that matter, why is man hunt bad, but something incredibly violent like Killer 7 ok?
Oh come now. Cell shading makes it OK, didn't you know that?
Jack Thompson, What I find amusing is that you seem hard wired on attempting to destroy the video game medium. Even when the shocking atrocity happened at Virginia Tech, you were on the phone talking about violent video games and making up lies about german laws on violent content, even though there was no indication of violent video games having anything to do with the murder.
If you're going to state your case, that's fine and I appreciate your rights to do that...but to state your case and basing it on pure lies and speculation is abominable.
As for this whole Manhunt issue, I'm quite frankly amazed and disgusted that there's a double standard with ratings. It's fine for a sick movie like Saw to be released, or a sex laden movie like 9 1/2 weeks, but absolutely unacceptable for Manhunt 2 to come out??? Madness.
How interesting, MediaPost's Gaming Insider column has this headline this week: Abolish The AO Rating.
Jack - you do litter the media with falsehoods and misunderstandings. Here's an example of the "debate" you and I had about a year ago on CNBC - about the connection between violent videogames and violence in the real world. I say "debate" because, between you and the anchor, I was lucky to get a word in edgewise about the crucial distinction between correlation and causation, and how the studies you site blur that difference. Face to Screen with Jack Thompson
I also made the point on our CNBC segment, by the way, that, contrary to what you say, the First Amendment indeed supports the rights of people to play and sell videogames....
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/65519)
No "personal attacks allowed" here? Are you kidding? I am attacked for "littering the mainstream media with falsehoods," above.
Really. What are they, pray tell?
That violent games consumed by kids can lead to behavioral consequences. The entire American Psychological Association agrees with that "falsehood." The AMA is set next week to identify video game addiction as an illness. Duh.
Take-Two got caught playing its thumb-our-nose-at-authority game. They finally lost. Trust me: there are high-fives being offered in other game developers' office suites all over the world, because this scofflaw company had painted a bullseye on the back of the entire industry, which it did not deserve.
You people need to grow up. There are limits to what society can and must tolerate. The First Amendment does not protect this stuff, and those of you who don't know that need to start reading Supreme Court rulings. Start with Rice v. Palladin.