Religion in Video Games

The Opposable Thumbs blog recently took a look at how religious themes are handled in video games. Most makers of mainstream games are hesitant, given the strong feelings of most consumers on the subject, but other companies are trying desperately to bring religion into the spotlight. Quoting: "Part of the problem is that the game industry is often touted as being a corrupting influence for the youth of the world. Criticism against the game industry has come from leaders as high up as the current Pope, and many of us who have been exposed to sermons bemoaning the influence that games and movies have on kids. Even when groups like the Christian Game Developers Foundation put out a video encouraging developers to create wholesome titles for kids, the attitude conveyed towards current members of the industry was contemptuous at best. Needless to say, games with heavy religious content are usually fringe projects, independently created and oftentimes sporting dodgy production values, because publishers wisely don't want to risk boycotts from legions of the faithful."

Comments

My level 80 warlock

[baegucb]

says religion has no say in games. And I'm on the good guys side ;)

Modern Warfare: The Return of Christ

[copponex]

Christ is risen, and boy, is He pissed.

After receiving the authority to smite the tribes of Islam, Christ joins the eighty deuces and gets his revenge on vegetarians, homosexuals, eaters of shellfish, and of course, unbelievers and blasphemers. Armed with a robe and the wrath of Yahweh, step into the sandals of He Who Is Righteous as he transforms from the Prince of Peace to the Prince of Blowing Motherfuckers to Pieces. Use conventional weapons to kill the wicked or send plague upon plague to the unfortunate souls dumb enough to defy you. Raise past holy warriors from the dead to join your army of brutal goodness, and get bonus points for killing Arab leaders and sending them to Hell.

Feel the rage of the righteous! Coming Spring 2010...

Re:Modern Warfare: The Return of Christ

[Nazlfrag]

He better watch out for the hindus...

Re:First, make a good video game

[skuzzlebutt]

Does praying that I can reload my auto-shotgun before the tank punts me across the room count?

Re:First, make a good video game

[Anonymous Coward]

Coming soon: Grand Lot's Daughters! Live in the Biblical town of Sodom! Get offered by your father to be raped by gangs of men! And have them turn you down!! After which you flee and get your father drunk and rape him!!! Preorder today from your nearest Christian Gamer store.

Re:I like niggers

[coaxial]

Sarah Silverman? Is that you? You're all I want for Hanukkah!

Stamp Pogroms

[Dr. Cody]

If there were people killing each other over stamps and forcing others to be collectors,

Now there's an idea for a video game.