Source: http://cooltech.iafrica.com 

The makers of a violent videogame set in an asylum for the criminally insane have suspended its release after a howl of outrage from some European nations which have already banned ‘Manhunt 2′.

“Take-Two Interactive Software has temporarily suspended plans to distribute Manhunt 2 for the Wii or PlayStation platforms while it reviews its options,” the company said in a statement.

Just weeks before the scheduled European launch of ‘Manhunt 2′, Britain, Ireland and Italy have all banned the savage computer game, maintaining it encourages “violence and murder”.

Made for PS2 and Nintendo Wii consoles by Rockstar Games Inc, which is owned by Take-Two Interactive Software, the game was set to go on sale in Europe from mid-July.

It is a sequel to “Manhunt,” which was also sharply criticised for its violent content.

On Tuesday last week the game became the first to be banned by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) in 10 years, following a similar decision by the Irish Film Censor’s Office (IFCO).

The game’s producers on Friday dismissed the criticism, saying: “We continue to stand behind this extraordinary game.”

“We believe in freedom of creative expression, as well as responsible marketing, both of which are essential to our business of making great entertainment.”

Disturbing stills on the ‘Manhunt 2′ website show bleak computer-graphic images of blood-spattered people attacking each other with syringes, axes, and knives amid scenes of decapitations and gut-wrenching mutilations.

According to the website, the game was due for release in North America on 10 July and had been due to be released across Europe on 13 July.