As you may have expected, Manhunt 2's delay could likely help generate more hype and boost potential sales, according to industry analysts. Remember however that Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter previously warned that a Manhunt 2 delay for the sake of content revision will cost Take Two some serious dough regardless.
The decision by Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. to suspend distribution of the violent video game "Manhunt 2" could actually end up boosting demand from curious gamers, industry analysts said Friday.
Analysts do not believe the move will harm the company's long-term bottom line. And if the game ever sees the light of day, the current controversy could give the title "a lot more exposure that would actually benefit game sales in the long run," said Colin Sebastian, senior research analyst at Lazard (nyse: LAZ - news - people ) Capital Markets.
"Manhunt 2," initially slated for a July release on Nintendo Co. (other-otc: NTDOY.PK - news - people )'s Wii and Sony Corp. (nyse: SNE - news - people )'s PlayStation 2, depicts the escape of an amnesiac scientist and a psychotic killer from an asylum and their subsequent epic killing spree.
Following bans by Britain and Ireland, as well as a ratings flap in the United States, Take-Two said late Thursday it was reviewing its options.
"We believe in freedom of creative expression, as well as responsible marketing, both of which are essential to our business of making great entertainment," the company said.
The game received a preliminary "Adults Only" rating in the United States from the industry's self-governed ratings body, the Entertainment Software Rating Board, restricting sales to customers 18 and older.
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Honestly, I couldn't have cared less before it was banned, and now I'm considering getting it.