14 DAY TRIAL // Even though everybody is really excited that new details about GTA IV keep coming, as well as fresh, new screenshots, Rockstar still has problems regarding its controversial title, Manhunt 2. It's been an entire saga regarding the games' UK release, with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) banning it, then with the ban being overturned by the Video Appeals Committee and now, the appeal itself is being overturned by the High Court. If you think everything sounds quite confusing - we believe the same!
And all day long hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London concluded that the VAC interpreted that Manhunt 2 was not a harmful title for minors, when it should have been judged as having "potential harm or risk of harm". The BBFC also argued that the VAC based its decision on whether or not the game would have a "devastating effect on society," and argued that this "harm threshold" was too high.
Details in such cases to mean a lot and could change the outcome of a decision. However, Rockstar Games played the human right to expression card, stating that the game shouldn't have been banned in the first place, but the Honourable Mr Justice Mitting said that he can't make such a decision, but let VAC make a new decision, having in mind the new criteria stated in the previous paragraph.
So, everything kind of turns back in time right now and the VAC have to meet again to debate and decide if they still agree that Manhunt 2 can be published and is not a harmful title for minors or adults playing it. However, the decision they make would be final and we'll all get to know it in about two weeks. Yeah, these are some strange things and maybe just way to technical for gamers who probably prefer quotes like "lemme play" "save game" and "Bang! Bang!".