'Manhunt 2' officially granted a UK release

Controversial horror game Manhunt 2 is to be released in the UK after the BBFC said it "had no alternative" but to award the title an 18 certificate.

Following nine months of ongoing legal wranglings between developer Rockstar and the BBFC, the Video Appeals Committee has revealed it upheld a High Court decision to challenge the BBFC's refusal to grant the game UK certification.

In light of the High Court decision, the Video Appeals Committee, which saw four members vote yes and three no, has deemed the game should be granted an 18 certificate.

David Cooke, director of the BBFC, said: "As I have said previously, we never take rejection decisions lightly, and they always involve a complex balance of considerations.

"We twice rejected Manhunt 2, and then pursued a judicial review challenge, because we considered, after exceptionally thorough examination, that it posed a real potential harm risk.

“However, the Video Appeals Committee has again exercised its independent scrutiny. It is now clear, in the light of this decision, and our legal advice, that we have no alternative but to issue an ‘18’ certificate to the game.”