Take Two Interactive, the controversial publisher behind titles like GTA, Bully or Manhunt, has decided to indefinitely postpone the launch of the second Manhunt game, due to Adult Only ratings.

Manhunt 1 was also criticized for its explicit violent scenes and the vulgar language, but apparently those elements were also what ensured the game’s success on the market. The film-noir atmosphere and the unbridled exploration of human violence made Manhunt 1 one of the pillars on which critics build their arguments against violent games.

Manhunt 2, scheduled for PS2, Wii and the PSP, was supposed to follow the same route, with even more violence and even more insanity. However, British and Irish authorities, known for their Puritanism, have not been impressed with the “underlying art” of Manhunt 2 and decided to ban the game in both territories.
 
As a result of receiving Adult Only ratings in the majority of cases-including the US- Nintendo and Sony (the owners of the platforms for which Manhunt 2 was programmed) decided to drop their support for Rockstar’s creation, with both console manufacturer’s restating their policy that they do not allow AO (adults only) rated games on their systems. Although Manhunt 2 is not scheduled for Xbox 360, Microsoft would probably disallow it too, since AO-rated games are forbidden on their platform.

Take Two, headquartered in New York, declared that time is needed to "review its options" but would "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," the company said.

Manhunt 2 was slated for debut on July 10, but Rockstar still has 30 days after receiving the ESRB's suggested rating to present an appeal or make changes to the game.