Controversial 'Manhunt 2' video game faces court battle

The future of violent video game 'Manhunt 2' is set to be decided in the High Court in Britain.

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has applied for a judicial review of the decision by the Video Appeals Committee to overturn a ban on the game.

Earlier this year, 'Manhunt 2' became the first video game in a decade to be banned in Britain.

The BBFC said it was unfit for sale due to its “casual sadism” and “unrelenting focus on stalking and brutal slaying”.

The ban was overturned last week by the appeals committee however, and the BBFC is now seeking leave to appeal to the High Court.

It is also seeking a suspension of the committee’s decision.

A BBFC spokeswoman said: "The BBFC is contesting the VAC judgment because in the board’s view, it is based on an approach to harm which is an incorrect interpretation of the Video Recordings Act.

"The VAC judgment, if allowed to stand, would have fundamental implications with regard to all the board’s decisions, including those turning upon questions of unacceptable levels of violence.

"If the VAC’s decision is suspended, then the game will not be classified before the outcome of the judicial review."