14 DAY TRIAL // Rockstar's Manhunt 2 has already created some big waves and things are not over yet, even though Rockstar probably started a celebration when it was decided that they can appeal against the British Board of Film Classifications decision to ban the game in the UK. But nobody should start the party until the fat lady sings and, in this case, she has no intention of singing yet.
Actually, in what seems to be a personal matter now more than anything else, the BBFC warns that they could take the case to the High Court as a judicial review and there's nothing to make them stop. The BBFC was still waiting for the reports from the Video Appeals Committee.
BBFC spokesperson Sue Clark said to MCV: "We need to see the judgment papers from the VAC case before we even consider giving Manhunt 2 a rating. If we spot anything problematic, we may decide to take our case to the High Court as a judicial review, which would lead to Manhunt 2's release being frozen in the UK."
Now read the last 10 words again and you'll understand why we still have the feeling that all the fight between Rockstar and BBFC is getting personal. Or, should we say "an uneven fight between Manhunt and BBFC"?
"Our main concern is to ensure a lawful outcome. It needs to be the right decision within the UK's legal framework - which will be the right decision in the public interest" said the BBFC representative, still supporting the idea that such a twisted behavior in such a blood and gore game could only be allowed if it is backed up by a solid story that gives no other options than killing everybody.
Director general of ELPSA, Paul Jackson said: "For the same reasons we respected the original decision by the BBFC, ELSPA also respects the decision of the VAC. We await the BBFC's next steps with interest."
So does everybody, especially Rockstar and Manhunt 2. Let's hope the fat lady will sing, in one way or another.