A controversial video game has been removed from the shelves of Minneapolis-based Target Corporation stores.
"Manhunt 2" has already been banned from sale in the United Kingdom. For months, activists have been calling on retailers to ban its sale in the U.S.
"It is some of the most horrific, senselessly violent stuff you've ever seen," said James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, a media watchdog group that has worked with retailers on making sure the videogame rating system is enforced.
The game tells the story of an inmate of an insane asylum who escaped. As government agents hunt the game's hero, he uses extreme violence, killing anyone who gets in his way.
Target issued a statement to WCCO-TV, writing, "All video games and computer software sold at Target currently carry ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) -- from early childhood through mature audiences."
The company said it took issue with a software fix put into place by Rockstar Games, the creator of "Manhunt 2." Rockstar also developed the controversial "Grand Theft Auto" games.
Initially, the game was given a restrictive "Adults Only" rating by the ESRB. Major retailers like Target and Wal-Mart do not sell stories with that rating.
The company went back to the board, after inserting software filters to hide the objectionable content. Within the past several days, hackers have been able to remove those filters, in editions of the game for PlayStation Portable. Games made for PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii don't appear to be hackable.
"While 'Manhunt 2' was given a 'Mature' rating by the ERSB, we received additional information that players can potentially view previously filtered content by altering the game code. As a result, we have decided not to carry the game," explained Target Corporation.
"It's a very violent game, there's no question about it," said Matt Helgeson, senior editor of Minneapolis-based Game Informer Magazine. Helgeson said he played the game for approximately 15 hours, completing it, as part of his work reviewing the game for the magazine.
"It is not a game for kids, it is very much a game for adults," said Helgeson. "And any adult thinking about buying the game for their kids should really reconsider that."
However, Helgeson believes that much like adults can buy violent films rated "R," they should have the opportunity to buy violent video games rated "M."
"I would say there are probably ten movies I could walk in right now and buy in Target that are every bit as gory as 'Manhunt,' if not more," he said.
For now, Target is the only major U.S. retailer pulling the game from shelves. Richfield, Minn.-based Best Buy Corporation explained, "Best Buy offers a wide variety of game content to suit our broad spectrum of customers. ... 'Man Hunt 2' will be available for our customers to purchase. Best Buy recognizes the concerns regarding video games, which is why we've worked with the industry to develop and refine the ESRB rating system."
