Did Target actually pull Manhunt 2 of shelves?

Many people who actively stay informed on gaming industry news will know that store employees are usually first to surface a new rumor. Although Game Rant can confirm the rumor that Target will be pulling Manhunt 2 from their stores.

Manhunt 2 has a mature rating which Target actively carries. Although it had originally had an ‘AO’ rating its rating had been reversed. To read more in depth simply type in Manhunt 2 in our search bar or go to the ‘Gaming Politics’ category located in our sidebar.

Here is the official story: “Target strives to provide merchandise that will appeal to a wide variety of guests. We also want guests to be comfortable with the purchasing decisions they make at Target. All video games and computer software sold at Target currently carry ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)–from early childhood through mature audiences. While Manhunt 2 was given a Mature rating by the ERSB, we received additional information that players can potentially view previously filtered content by altering the game code. As a result, we have decided not to carry the game.”

Game Rant is primarily focused around gaming industry politics and would like confirm the rumor. Return to Game Rant for more information on this Manhunt 2 ‘hoopla’ and more.

ESRB stands strong in Manhunt 2 controversy.

If you have already read our article about the Manhunt 2 controversy you may be pleased to hear that the ESRB will uphold the current ‘M’ rating on Manhunt 2.

Yesterday, Take-Two confirmed that with a hacked PlayStation Portable you could return the game to its ‘AO’ rating. Although the ESRB stated “…we do not believe these modifications fully restore the product to the version that originally received an AO rating, nor is this a matter of unlocking content.”

The ESRB noted that Rockstar’s “HotCoffee” incident was easily accessed by PC-gamers that the Manhunt 2 reversal used hardware and software hacks. They felt that Take-Two made it hard to get this content and it wasn’t intended like the ”HotCoffee” scandal.

The ESRB’s President Patricia Vance said, “Parents need to be vigilant about monitoring what their children are downloading on the Internet and ensure that they are not making unauthorized and oftentimes illegal modifications to software and hardware that remove the controls the industry has so diligently put in place for their own protection.”

So those who oppose Jack Thompson can sigh a breathe of relief. Many gamers feel that the parents should play the part of the ESRB and dictate whats played and what is not. This shows where the ESRB stands on the matter.

Return to Game Rant for the after math of the ESRB’s decision on the controversial decision. Also go to our “Gaming Politics” page where you can find ways to take action towards video game legislation.

PTC Demands ‘AO’ rating be reinstated for Manhunt 2.

 

If you are un-aware about the PSP work-around that allows your to view uncensored killings in Manhunt 2. Many groups are trying to take action to demand the ERSB reinstate the AO rating for Manhunt 2.

The PTC or Parents Television Council learned about the PSP hack and are demanding it to be reinstated. I would guess they want all versions to recieve the AO rating but Game Rant cant confirm that.

Heres what the PTC had to say to the ERSB:

Immediately reinstate the ‘Adults Only’ rating for this game. This action is consistent with ESRB precedent as demonstrated in the Grand Theft Auto controversy surrounding the ‘hot coffee’ content.

Immediately suspend all ESRB review or consideration of any other software published by Rockstar or Take-Two Interactive. Given the clear pattern of contempt by Rockstar and Take-Two, these firms have breached the trust of the entire video game rating system. In fact, to quote your words from the Grand Theft Auto matter, Rockstar has ’seriously undermined…the credibility and utility’ of the ratings system.

Immediately disclose the content that was allegedly removed by Rockstar from Manhunt 2 so that parents can have a clear understanding of exactly what remains on those games which potentially can be accessed by their children.

Game Rant cant confirm any statements coming back from the ERSB nor am I aware if they can change the rating once the title is released. Rockstar knew that everyone would be trying to find things like this so we are not sure how this came up. Game Rant cant confirm this “hot coffee” like trick.

Come back to Game Rant for more information if the ERSB will change the rating.