Rockstar released Manhunt 2 on 30 October in the US, on Wii, PlayStation 2 and PSP, as a retail version for audience aged 17 and above.

Only 24 hours after release, hackers found a way to reactivate adult scenes in the PSP version of Manhunt 2. They restored the game to its original full version. This could have been done only if Rockstar have just deactivated offensive material in order to get ERSB’s M rating.

Two years ago Rockstar had come to ESRB’s attention when it was discovered that there were sexual scenes hidden within the code of one game, where no normal user would found them.

In order to make an M-rated Manhunt 2, Rockstar had done multiple revised edits. Rockstar commented that hackers have altered on of these edits and produced an illegally modified version of the game. This illegal version can only be played on an unauthorized PlayStation Portable handheld system.

Rockstar stated that all game material and especially these revised edits were submitted to and reviewed by the ERSB.

Take-Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick encouraged customers to enjoy the M version of Manhunt 2 as it was meant to be played, according to ESRB ratings. He also added: “We hope that consumers will not engage in hacking or download illegally modified copies of our games.”