Contrary to popular belief, there really aren't enough violent games out there to justify all the flak the video game industry's been getting recently. According to the ratings chart for 2007 released by the ESRB, only 6% of all titles released last year was tagged with a Mature rating. Find out more about this in the full article.

Several influential individuals and groups have already called for the reinstating of the Adults Only rating of Rockstar Games' Manhunt 2 (PS2, Wii and PSP). Now even the senators are on the case. Four US senators sent a letter addressed to ESRB requesting a "thorough review" of the game. Check out the full article for more details.

After ESRB president Patricia Vance released her statement standing by ESRB's decision to re-rate the controversial Manhunt 2 to Mature, California senator Leland Yee had this to ask: "What is ESRB trying to hide?"

Yee recently questioned ESRB's move to grant Rockstar's Manhunt 2 (for Wii, PSP and PS2) its much-desired M rating, suspicious about what he apparently deems as a shady dealing between ESRB and Rockstar.

To be more specific, what upset Yee was that the ratings board refused to disclose the details why they changed their minds and took off Manhunt 2's previous Adults Only rating, letting it slip by with M for Mature.

It should be noted at this point that Vance already explained the reason behind ESRB's secrecy: game content is confidential, especially if the game in question is not yet released. Simply put, ESRB does not have the right to disclose such details.

It looks like the Manhunt 2 controversy just won't die down, at least not yet. With the way things are going, Manhunt 2 may just be the tip of the iceberg, and the attention may soon shift to yet another game. What do gamers think? What do you think? Do hit the comments button below to share your thoughts.



Buy: [Manhunt 2 (PSP)]
Buy: [Manhunt 2 (Wii)]

After Leland Yee and CCFC's (Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood) demand for an explanation why Manhunt 2 was re-rated to Mature - despite the fact that Manhunt 2 was already modified to fit the standards - ESRB now decided to break its silence and released a statement regarding their decision to take off the Adults Only rating from Rockstar's controversial game.

Here's an excerpt from the statement of ESRB's president Patricia Vance:

Upon reviewing the modified version of Manhunt 2, the ESRB assigned a rating of M (Mature 17+) with content descriptors for Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content and Use of Drugs. This is a very clear and firm warning to parents that the game is in no way intended for children. As always, we urge parents to strongly consider the ESRB rating in their decision about whether a game is appropriate for their children.

Publishers submit game content to the ESRB on a confidential basis. It is simply not our place to reveal specific details about the content we have reviewed, particularly when it involves a product yet to be released...

It is a parent's rightful place to make choices for their own children. The ESRB and console manufacturers provide families with the tools and information to help them do so."

So there you have it, straight from ESRB's Vance herself. She does make a good point in saying that its up to the parents themselves to regulate their children's games, and they are already given sufficient aids to make sure that the kids play with media appropriate for their ages, such as child locks or password protection.

What do you guys think? Do you agree with ESRB's official statement? Hit the comments button below.

Read Vance's entire statement in the Read link!