This just in: It has been confirmed that both the Wii and PS2 version of Manhunt 2 will receive an AO rating from the ESRB. It comes as devastating news to publisher Take-Two, as AO-rated titles are not stocked at retailers such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy. Ultimately, this greatly limits potential revenue, and is the reason why no company wants an AO rating slapped on their game. T2 issued this statement in response to the rating:

The ESRB has issued an initial rating of AO (Adults Only) for Manhunt 2.

We believe the process of rating videogames is to help people make informed entertainment choices and not to limit them.

Manhunt 2 was created for mature audiences and we strongly believe it should receive an M (Mature) rating, aligning it with similar content created in other forms of media. We are exploring our options with regard to the rating of Manhunt 2.

Following the statement, MTV News asked a representative from Rockstar if the rating would prompt a delay, who replied:

That’s the last thing we want, but it’s too early to say.

Breaking: Manhunt 2 — for Adults Only [MTV]

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