The AO rating has been assigned more often than it actually ends up appearing on product shipped. Has the ESRB ever rated a game Adults Only due to violence? The interactive nature of games certainly differentiates them from more passive forms of media like films and televisions, which is why the ESRB system takes these other unique characteristics into consideration.Ģ. PV: We've always been very clear about the fact that the degree of player control is one of several elements that the ESRB considers in the assignment of ratings, including the content itself, it's frequency, intensity and realism, context within which it is presented, and the reward system. Do such controls have an impact on a game's rating? If so do you think that supports the argument that a game's interactive nature makes it more dangerous than more passive experiences like watching a movie, listening to music or reading a book? Games such as Godfather, Scarface and Manhunt 2 all do this. With the Wii, developers can now make games that allow gamers to physically act out violent acts and see them occur in a game. While the ESRB's initial rating of an AO for Adults Only doesn't explicitly prohibit the game from being sold, most major US retailers refuse to carry AO games, and console manufacturers prohibit their third-party publishers from releasing AO titles on their systems.ġ. We believe in freedom of creative expression, as well as responsible marketing, both of which are essential to our business of making great entertainment.' 'We continue to stand behind this extraordinary game. ' Take-Two Interactive Software has temporarily suspended plans to distribute Manhunt 2 for the Wii or PlayStation platforms while it reviews its options with regard to the recent decisions made by the British Board of Film Classification and Entertainment Software Rating Board,' a representative told GameSpot. The game had been expected to ship that day for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Nintendo Wii. In the wake of international bans and an Adults Only rating in the US, Manhunt 2 won't make its July 10 release date, Take-Two Interactive has confirmed. Plans to release game 'temporarily suspended' while publisher continues exploring options.

Manhunt 2 esrb