When the VAC first ruled in favour of Rockstar last November, the BBFC sought a judicial review of that decision. The High Court subsequently concluded that the VAC had made a "clear error of law" in its conception of a permissibly low level of potential harm caused by the game's release, and ordered it to reconsider.
Re-examining the appeal under the High Court's legal direction, the VAC once again voted four-to-three in Rockstar's favour, and left the BBFC with little choice but to classify the game.
"As I have said previously, we never take rejection decisions lightly, and they always involve a complex balance of considerations," said David Cooke, BBFC director, in a statement.
"We twice rejected Manhunt 2, and then pursued a judicial review challenge, because we considered, after exceptionally thorough examination, that it posed a real potential harm risk.
"However, the Video Appeals Committee has again exercised its independent scrutiny. It is now clear, in the light of this decision, and our legal advice, that we have no alternative but to issue an '18' certificate to the game."
Rockstar has also released a statement in response to the decision: "We are pleased that the VAC has reaffirmed its decision recognising that Manhunt 2 is well within the bounds established by other 18+ rated entertainment.
"Rockstar Games is committed to making great interactive entertainment, while also marketing our products responsibly and supporting an effective rating system."
It is worth it, at least for Rockstar. Now that the line has been pushed back, they can release games of equal levels of violence without pain.
