summerof2010 said:
If i miscommunicated I apologize. So lets set the record for my original post.
All i meant to say was that they are fictional stories created for our enjoyment.
Not anti-religious propaganda.
My second post was more explaining the difference between Anti-religious and dark interpretations.
As an amateur writer myself I have been taught about the clear distinction of them.
Anti-religious must be done with intent.
Dark reflections are meant simply for interesting stories.
If you must know, I think that it's just a reflection of contemporary distrust and hatred for organized religion that is being added in to make the titles more relateable.
Let me give you another view on that.
When it comes to games involving fear the idea of religion can be for four other reasons.
1)To unnerve you as someone who might take comfort in religious beliefs. Something that calms you is now in front of you, and trying to kill you.
2)To create an atmosphere of confidence agaisnt you. Your enemies are not afraid of you. Life and death are the same to them, and they will pursue you relentlessly. It adds a desperate feel.
3)They are presented as a cult* more so to scare older gamers with kids. Cult* worship is something that scares people with children. It can add a level of fear parents might feel that we don't.
4) Its easy.(explained lower)
*Cult in this case is referring to any non-major religion that's tenants are unknown. Thus the fear for parents.
While there is more though these are the primary reasons i see them added to fear based games.
The scientist in Dead Space that's helping the necromorphs is creepy as fuck for no other reason then in a midst all this chaos he is calmly walking the halls assisting them in there goals, and not dying.
Actually, your post has got me thinking that much of this trend might just be devs copying each other, much like the homogeneous brown shooter trend you noted.
It just seems odd that if everyone copies ONE thing it's because of they are lazy but another, especially religious ideas, and people are ready to decry religion.
Once more i think people are kinda jumping the gun and applying there own anti-religious beliefs or fear to a scenario meant only to entertain.
As well i realize they can make entertaining propaganda but in video games i do not see that happening.
Regardless of the reason, the tone used to present religion is largely negative, so it can be abstractly stated that most video games ("the industry as a whole") maintain a hostile and/or disapproving attitude toward organized religion ("an anti-religious sentiment").
The true reason might be more of an angry yawn then anything.
Religion is kinda an easy button in writing as well.
"Why do the enemies want this mcguffin so bad?"
"its a religious artifact!"
"Why do they keep trying to kill me?"
"Their religion demands it!"
"Why are you pummeling me! its really painful!"
"God told me to!"
Religion in literary works more often then not is used to replace meaningful backgrounds and motivations for characters.
I mean, that's okay for minor characters, but go through these games and count how many main villains are doing it truly for there faith, and no other reason.
I don't find it very often, and even rarer does it fit to me, but it's usually kinda a weak story when the enemies only motivation is "God told me to".
Just don't in the future.
Good fun. Boy it's late. Talk to you tomorrow I hope?
It IS tomorrow.
