So, I cover Manhunt 2 and other attendant controversies in this week's newspaper column contrasting Rockstar's approach to game design with other developers who're trying for a more complex, meaningful approach to violence. This burgeoning culturally enlightened atmosphere is, I argue, reflected in the new era of videogame festivals, which have largely replaced the loud, obnoxious industry events of old.
Also on the subject of Manhunt 2, you may have already seen that NGamer Magazine has reviewed the title and given it 92 percent. 'However morally dubious it may be, we love this game,' they say. You can read more excerpts here.
Meanwhile, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime has told Newsweek that Nintendo's decision not to approve Manhunt 2 as an AO title is nothing to do with Wii's image as a cuddly fun puppet of a console. "Wii welcomes games rated E, T and M. We haven't approved AO-rated games. I doubt we ever will. What Rockstar has right now is a game rated outside our spectrum, outside any manufacturer's spectrum."
