Video game banned

A COMPUTER gamefeaturing “gross, unrelenting and gratuitous violence” has become the first-ever game banned by the Irish Film Censor’s Office (IFCO).

Manhunt 2, made by Rockstar Games for the Playstation and Nintendo Wii consoles, was due to hit shops on July 13.

It is a sequel to Manhunt — another violent game which was withdrawn from shops in Ireland — after it was claimed it led to the murder of a schoolboy in England.

In a statement the censor said: “A prohibition order has been made by IFCO in relation to the video game Manhunt 2. The order was made on 18 June 2007under Sec 7 (1) (b) of the Video Recordings Act 1989 which refers to ‘acts of gross violence or cruelty including mutilation and torture’.

“IFCO recognises that in certain films, DVDs and video games, strong graphic violence may be a justifiable element within the overall context of the work.

“However, in the case of Manhunt 2, IFCO believes that there is no such context and the level of gross, unrelenting and gratuitous violence is unacceptable.”

The game’s predecessor, Manhunt was blamed forinspiring the murder of schoolboy Stefan Pakeerah. The 14-year-old was stabbed and beaten to death in Leicester in February 2004 and his parents believe the killer, Warren LeBlanc, 17, was inspired by the game to which it wasalleged he was addicted.

The game’s makers rejected that, saying there was a clear certification structure in place. Manhunt was clearly classified as ‘18’ by the British Board of Film Classification and should not have been in the possession of a juvenile.

The board has also banned Manhunt 2 saying: “There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in these killings.”