Actually, it's their respective ratings bodies that are doing the banning. And in neither of those countries (nor America) is the video game ratings body a government organization. (Actually, upon researching, the Ireland one might technically be a government group, it might not. I'm not certain. But I know the UK and American ones are not.)
Really, the only difference between the American scenario and the UK/Ireland one is that the banning is only de facto in America. AO games are rated and not banned, but no console maker will allow them, so for a console game an AO rating is a de facto ban. The UK and Ireland bodies, however, just plain banned it outright.
I think it's stupid that they are even banning this game in the UK and Ireland. I'm glad I don't live there, the idea of government telling me what games I can and can't play doesn't sit well with me at all.
You're right, there is a chance it can be re-rated without altering any content. However, I think that chance is slim to nil, and I expect Rockstar to do some sort of token edit (reducing blood spray across the board, softening force feedback on some kills, or something else along those lines) as a gesture to demonstrate that they "agreed" with the AO rating and toned it down in response. I don't expect any sweeping changes, just enough to get themselves down to an "acceptable" level. For once I agree with Patcher; they might as well drop it down to something M-worthy, because if they don't all this time and development will be wasted. If that means "cleaning" the game, so be it.
"If it is, it'd have to be neutered to an M rating."
Hmmm...Intresting. So there's no possible way for Take-Two to appeal the AO on the current game to an M rating without changing the content? Perhaps I read wrong but I thought there was at least a small glimmer of hope that this game may be released as M without any changes.
Oh, and your usage of the word "neutered" made me cringe and laugh at the same time.
I think the bulk of the dust has settled with this game (until we hear something regarding an ESRB appeal), so I'd like to direct attention back to the IPO itself.
There are, simply, two things that can happen: the game is released, or it isn't. If it isn't, then this IPO is worthless. If it is, it'd have to be neutered to an M rating. I think people are going to be aware of that, driving away those who wanted the pure, unadulterated violence the game promised. Others, who may have contemplated the game, will be drawn away by its stigma and history as "the superviolent AO game". Some may be drawn in by morbid curiosity.
All this considered, if this game does get released and does get listed, its IPO should be reduced to 40DKP in my opinion.
"GameSpot has confirmed with Nintendo and Sony that one of those options--accept the ESRB's judgment and release the game with the AO rating--isn't an option at all. Both companies forbid licensed third-party publishers from releasing games rated AO for Adults Only on their various hardware platforms. Though Manhunt 2 isn't slated for any of Microsoft's systems, that company has also confirmed that it does not allow AO-rated titles on the Xbox or Xbox 360. "
Not surprising, given what happened with San Andreas once it was re-rated (was pulled and re-released).
"Not wanting to be left out of the "ban wagon" (thanks for the pun, Game Politics), Ireland has banned Take Two / Rockstar's Manhunt 2 from sale in the country. The previous Manhunt game taken off the shelves in Ireland after it was blamed for inspiring the murder of a 14-year old boy, the Irish Examiner reports."
Industry fortune teller, Wedbush-Morgan's Michael Pachter, says Manhunt 2's freedom of expression will cost publisher Take-Two millions -- good thing Take-Two may have gotten that GTA IV advance money! Pachter believes the game would have generated $25 million in revenues this quarter, along with another $15 million in reorders.
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Really, the only difference between the American scenario and the UK/Ireland one is that the banning is only de facto in America. AO games are rated and not banned, but no console maker will allow them, so for a console game an AO rating is a de facto ban. The UK and Ireland bodies, however, just plain banned it outright.