Manhunt 2 to return as a downloadable?

Author: Joe Martin
Published: 26th October 2007
Comments (8) Stumble
Manhunt 2 could still see a UK release as downloadable content if Rockstar wanted.

Manhunt 2 could still see a UK release as downloadable content if Rockstar wanted.

Manhunt 2 was refused a rating in the UK by the BBFC for the "overly bleak tone and casual encouragement of unnecessary and casual sadism". This lack of rating effectively bans the game, as no retail store is allowed to sell an unrated product.

The game then got into serious trouble when Nintendo and Sony backed away from the game and appeals to the BBFC fell on deaf ears.

However, The Register Hardware has reported that there's a legal loophole which may allow the game to see a UK release after all, albeit as downloadable content. Apparently, the 1984 Video Recordings Act wasn't written with downloads in mind and thus the game can exploit a legal grey area.

This means that the game could, if Rockstar wanted, see a release on either the WiiWare shopping channel or via the PlayStation Store for the PlayStation 3. The PlayStation 2 version would be a problem, but there's always the chance to make up for it by having an Xbox 360 release via XBL.

If Rockstar made a PC port of the game then it could see a general release on the internet or via services such as Steam or Metaboli.

As it is though, it doesn't look like Rockstar is eager to explore that avenue and downloadable Manhunt 2 may not be on the cards after all. Is that a good or bad thing? Tell us what you think in the forums.
Quote cjoyce1980 26th October 2007, 10:00
after all that development time and effort it would be a waste if the game didn't get some form of release.
Quote Bladestorm 26th October 2007, 10:08
If nintendo and sony weren't willing to have the uncut game released sold in stores for there consoles, I doubt they'd allow it via there online stores either.
Quote Bursar 26th October 2007, 10:41
I'm guessing the game would ship on a DVD were it to get to retail. Good luck in trying to convince people to download several gigs worth of data! The Wii actually has no way to save that much information (SD cards can only store your downloads from the VC, you can't play directly from them).

The teeny 12GB usable drive in the 360 will also struggle if people are stroing other XBLA titles, content downloads and music. MS have just recently raised the download limit on XBLA titles, but I can't see them allowing a full retail game onto the system.

I think the best platform is probably the PC. Plenty of storage space, and PC gamers are generally used to download a couple of gigs worth of files to play a demo. I've downloaded 4GB of data just for the Hellgate beta.
Quote mmorgue 26th October 2007, 10:52
At least for 360/PS3/PC you could still download it then, meaning your right to decide for yourself what is/isn't suitable to play isn't taken from you. Bloody fascists...
Quote mikeuk2004 26th October 2007, 12:28
I think they should exploit the loophole and better do it quick befor they can close it. Then it will alow us to chose for our selves what we want to see or not see.
Quote DXR_13KE 26th October 2007, 12:58
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeuk2004
I think they should exploit the loophole and better do it quick befor they can close it. Then it will alow us to chose for our selves what we want to see or not see.

+ be cheaper on them, and make a industry first by not selling the game in hard copy......
Quote sotu1 26th October 2007, 14:30
actually, would release on download only mean that fewer pre-18-i-wanna-be-influenced-by-violent-gamers-then-slaughter-someone people will play it? i'll be restricted to those who can pay by card. good news then!
Quote Bluephoenix 26th October 2007, 16:21
Quote:
Originally Posted by sotu1
actually, would release on download only mean that fewer pre-18-i-wanna-be-influenced-by-violent-gamers-then-slaughter-someone people will play it? i'll be restricted to those who can pay by card. good news then!

QFT
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