Common Sense Media: Manhunt Decision Threatens Ratings Credibility

Non-profit group Common Sense Media has released a new statement on the ESRB's down-rating of Rockstar's Manhunt 2 to M, clearing it for release, saying that without disclosing the reasoning, the board "threatens to undermine" the entire ratings system. The statement was made by Common Sense CEO James Steyer, long a supporter of California State Senator Leland Yee's own anti-violent game efforts. Yee himself has spoken out on the matter, calling for an FTC investigation into what changes were made to the game. The group has also previously partnered with AOL Games to launch a family oriented gaming guide, and released white papers claiming that "playing violent video games accounts for a 13% to 22% increase in adolescents' violent behavior compared to a 14% increase in lung cancer from smoking tobacco." “While we have recognized the ESRB in the past for its positive efforts to increase parental awareness of video game ratings," said Steyer, "we take serious issue with the board’s recent decision to reduce Rockstar Games’ Manhunt 2 from an AO rating to an M rating without providing any rationale for the change." “By all available accounts," he continued, "Manhunt 2 is the most brutally violent game ever produced for wide release, including intense, realistic scenes of mutilation and even castration. Unfortunately, given Rockstar’s history of creating and selling irresponsibly violent and graphic content – you need look no further than Grand Theft Auto and the infamous Hot Coffee incident for evidence – this isn’t a surprise. Parents have probably come to expect bad behavior from Rockstar – but they deserve better from the ESRB." He added, “It is clear that by lowering the rating, the ESRB has all but ensured that the game will be marketed and sold through channels popular with kids and teens – and, despite industry claims to the contrary, kids under 17 can and do purchase M-rated games. Before Manhunt 2 is released for sale, parents deserve an explanation – they need to know the facts about this grossly violent game before it goes on the market." Steyer concluded, “By failing to explain their decision and, in turn, provide the transparency that consumers need if they are to trust the ESRB’s ratings, the board threatens to undermine a ratings system that has many positive aspects and that could serve as an important tool for parents.”