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Sony, Nintendo anti-AO policies could prevent Manhunt 2 from being released, period

June 20, 2007 in News comments 33

The "hits" just keep coming for Manhunt 2. After scoring an official "Adults Only" rating from the ESRB, analysts and gamers alike postulated on how Rockstar and publisher Take Two would handle this development. The AO rating would definitely have an effect on potential sales after all, given that certain retailers and rental outlets have policies against stocking AO titles altogether. Unfortunately, both Sony Computer Entertainment and Nintendo have confirmed that Manhunt 2's AO rating will technically prevent the game from appearing on their consoles as well. Considering the amount of effort that went into the game's development for either platform, such console policies are likely the clarion calls which will convince Rockstar to "tone down" the subject matter for re-approval by the ESRB.

"It's currently our policy not to allow the playback of AO-rated content on our systems," a Sony spokesperson told GameSpot.

Nintendo's official line was much the same. "Games made for Nintendo systems enjoy a broad variety of styles, genres, and ratings," a representative told GameSpot. "These are some of the reasons our Wii and Nintendo DS systems appeal to such a broad range of people. But as with books, television, and movies, different content is meant for different audiences. That's why the ESRB provides ratings to help consumers understand the content of a game before they purchase it. As stated on Nintendo.com, Nintendo does not allow any AO-rated content on its systems."
Wolfwood via gamespot.com »
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  • 0
    Reenee Jun 21, 07
    We know that'd be coming from Sony and Ninty, it's just the ESRB being a jerk, is all.
  • 0
    Jesse1234567 Jun 21, 07
    When a game has an AO rating, usually some people buy it more than other games. I don't think the rating will affect the amount of sales by much.
  • 0
    huntyr Jun 21, 07
    But if Sony and Nintendo are not going to allow the game on their consoles, that will hurt the sales.

    Since the game is getting the rating for all platforms, I expect that the game is ultra-violent and may need to be toned down. Since all platforms are involved; its not about the wii-controller anymore but about the actual content of the game

    Note: I do think the rating is harsh, but its impossible to know why it got the rating since only the review boards have seen the game. There may be reasons for the rating, we can't know only speculate (which is all part of the fun!!)
  • 0
    Zhou Tai Rocks Jun 21, 07

    I never really got into this game, so it wouldn't bother me at all if this game wasn't to make it to the shelfs. Hell, most stores now won't even pay attention to the buyers age and the game rating, so I agree with the above. It wont really affect sales.
  • 0
    Storm Jun 21, 07
    Manhunt was a damn good game...kept me up some nights, haha. What's the big deal about Ao? It's not like there are many of them, and all that's needed is to show a proper id, right?
    • 0
      Guticb Jun 21, 07
      The big deal is, no major store stocks AO games. EBGames, Gamestop, and Wal-mart have policies that prevent them from selling AO games.

      Not only that, but Sony and Nintendo have policies to prevent AO games from being published on their systems.
  • 0
    Team Xtreme Jun 21, 07
    What I find to be somewhat stupid is that the IS an AO rating for games so it is rather stupid that companies don't allow AO games for their consoles. Essentially there is only an M rating for games by this logic.
  • -3
    BANDITO ATTACK Jun 21, 07
    I expected this gayness from Nintendo.. but Sony? Come on. They need all the AAA games they can get to sell their system.

    There's only one option, Rockstar.. RELEASE THAT BITCH ON PC. =[
    I don't want a watered down version of the (arguably) the most violent game in video game history.

    I'll laugh my ass off if there's a riot over this. OH, THE IRONY WOULD BE SWEET.
    • 0
      Existenz Jun 21, 07
      The game is on the Playstation 2 the console that has nearly single handedly sold more units by itself than all of Nintendo's home consoles all together... They don't really need more sales, now if it was on the Playstation 3 then yes i could see the urgency but even that console is holding it's own considering it's age.
  • 1
    bbb7002004 Jun 21, 07
    The AO rating is the ESRB's version of a ban, working around the first amendment, hence why it exists and is rarely used.
  • 0
    Team Xtreme Jun 21, 07
    Well if that is the case, why do most retailers refuse to sell AO games. Why not just have a closed of section (even a cupboard) for AO games like they have for porn in a video store?

    And Bandito, the PS2 doesn't exactly need more "AAA Games" as Sony should be more concerned bringing top line games to the PS3.
  • 3
    Seeker X Jun 21, 07
    It's understood that they don't want bad publicity, but godamnit, someone needs to reason with the right people that this is not the correct rating. AO??? Especially for PS2/PSP, and I KNOW that they rated that just because of the Wii controls.
  • 0
    bbb7002004 Jun 21, 07
    It is a bit earlier for us to judge whether this game got the rating it deserved or not, since few of us have played the game. I have read a few accounts of the game from press members who have actually seen/played the game, and those seemed to agree with the rating.
    • 0
      Seeker X Jun 21, 07
      Playing the first Manhunt, there are some pretty nasty things to see. And granted, Manhunt 2 can have worse things but it CANNOT have anymore gore than what Gears of War already does. This is obviously what anti-game people like Thompson were waiting for. They were waiting for Manhunt to come out so they could trap it just like this, personally, I'd demand that the whole thing be investigated.
  • 1
    Final Blade Jun 21, 07
    you know what i say screw the ratings and sell this bad boy. Or better yet sell it over the internet. This game isnt AO that rating should be only used if there is sexual content or is its porn like. They got the ratings again. That stupid JT and Hillary got there damn wish i hope both of them chokes and goes to hell.
  • 1
    Lesley Pro_04 Jun 21, 07
    Yeah, JT should go to hell because of his anti-video game stance. If they do this to Manhunt 2, then what's to say that they won't try to do the same if a compilation of arcade games gets released that have shooters on them like Point Blanc (one or two, doesn't matter which), Terminator 2: Judgement Day, or any of the other shooter games that were popular in the arcades? I don't see why this makes sense, someone may want to explain to us the REASONS why this game got an AO Rating so the rest of us understand it. Otherwise, a lot of us will be left scratching our heads whilst wishing for the day in which Jack Thompson decides to come off of his high horse about so-called violent video games; what a prick.
  • 1
    Infinite Jun 21, 07
    I really don't understand the point of having adult only ratings since most people won't allow games with the adult only rating on their consoles. Pretty pointless if you ask me.

    I don't know what Rockstar is gonna do now. I hate how just because the game is getting an adult only rating Nintendo and Sony won't let the game come out on their consoles. To be honest I don't understand why they won't let it come out on the PS3 and the Wii. So what if it's an adult rating. It's not like it will hurt their system if someone plays the game on their system. To be honest this is just stupid. Give Manhunt 2 the adult only rating and let it come out on the PS3 and the Nintendo Wii. People who own these consoles might want to get the game. If they are adults and they wish to play Manhunt 2 then let them. They shouldn't be punished because idiots want to call Manhunt 2 a murder training device. Oh well. I guess Rockstar is gonna have to water down Manhunt 2 now if they wish for their game to be on the PS3 and Nintendo Wii. This sucks.
  • 0
    Shruikan Jun 21, 07
    who care it is nintendo and sony's loss.
  • -3
    Synergized Jun 21, 07
    You've got to be *bleep*ing me. Sony and Nintendo are douchebags if they don't allow it on their systems. First, it'll enrage Manhunt 2 fans, second, like Shruikan said, Sony and Nintendo won't make those could-be sales and third Rockstar will be pissed at Nintendo and Sony and everything will go to hell. Seriously, maybe I understand Nintendo since it's, more of a classic that people grew up on and expected Mario all the way, but I expected more from Sony, to allow it on their systems. This had better release.
    • 1
      Guticb Jun 21, 07
      Do some research and you'll see that this is an OLD policy, from the PS1 days. It's old and outdated. Doesn't mean they won't change it.
  • 1
    Rinkydink Jun 21, 07
    What a wasted opportunity for both Rockstar and Sony/Nintendo. What are they going to do in the watered down version, turn the blood green? Why can't they just bring the game out and give people the choice?
  • 1
    Jeterocks Jun 21, 07
    quote
    I expected this gayness from Nintendo.. but Sony? Come on. They need all the AAA games they can get to sell their system.
    The game is for the Ps2, not the Ps3...Last time I checked, the Ps2 doesn't need any more games to sell the system

    The only thing this is hurting potentially is the Wii. But then again, The Wii's larger fan base is below the age of 18, so honestly, I doubt the game would even sell that great if it was released. Like it has said before though, the only way to really get the game would be from online though, seeing so many stores refuse to stock AO games.
  • 0
    Existenz Jun 21, 07
    Sony allowed Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to continue to be published even after it had been re rated at AO.
    • 0
      Guticb Jun 21, 07
      Exactly, because it's an OLD policy.
      • 0
        Final Blade Jun 29, 07
        However i got GTA SA like a few years later and i got the version that can view the hot coffee lol i say i was lucky lol haha
        However i've seen it b4 online and it was so stupid i should beat the crap out of the person for hyping it to a point of controversy.
  • 0
    black doom Jun 21, 07
    Jeterocks the Wii is getting everyone to play, it is getting non-gamers interested, but that is beside the point.

    I wouldn't have gotten the game regardless.

    I believe Nintendo and Sony are both in the right about this. The game seems ridiculous to me. There is a difference between entertainment and disturbed.

    I believe that there are some books/movies/games that are best left unread/unseen/unplayed.
  • 0
    Quellilo Jun 21, 07
    I don't care if is it AO or normal, and i think I would sooner get AO game than other
  • 1
    FRoGBuster Jun 21, 07
    I guess PC is the only choice now?
    Or rockstar can give a Middle finger and let the world download it for free. How funny would that be? At this point I just want my hands on this game anyway I can!
    It will be very interesting how this all plays out indeed...
    • 0
      Guticb Jun 21, 07
      *Sigh* I wish they would.
  • 1
    bbb7002004 Jun 21, 07
    My guess is that RockStar sent the ESRB a version of Manhunt 2 so over the top violent that it would have to get an AO. Then, the popularity of this title would shoot up as gamers across the net clamor for the game, even if they were never going to buy it in the first place. After they get all the publicity, they pull the fake version they gave to ESRB, and show the real, M rated version of the game. [/sarcasm]

    Seriously though, this is generating a ton of publicity for Rockstar, much more than Manhunt was likely to generate if it had just gotten a M rating from the beginning.
    • 0
      FRoGBuster Jun 23, 07
      triple b, that is actually a great hypothesis, and in fact a very smart move on Rockstar if that was indeed their strategy.
      Were I to be the person in charge of selling this game, that would be the best route to take. Because had they given the sincere game to ESRB at first, it might have been AO'd anyway. But if Rockstar went bbb's way, then we might actaully be getting the developer's original game under the big "M" without anything having ever been sacrificed, and only the ESRB and NIMFs fooled! I will choose to believe this to console myself.
  • 0
    BradSK Jun 21, 07
    Let's just hope that PEGI rate it 18+ for continental Europe, so I can import it.
  • 0
    Final Blade Jun 23, 07
    You know this isnt a bad idea now that i read though triple b post. I mean this article made tons of comments. Imagine what popularity this will cause the game. This game could sell like addictive hotcakes.

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