Poll: Religion in Games

[Nimcha]

You know...why do people say that when a game has a "damn the god(s)" thing, they think that the dev actually hate religion or when they show religion in a good light that they are religion nut jobs?

I just don't get it. To me, it just story telling and that's it. Do people get piss off at Mass Effect because a lot of the aliens on their have religion beliefs? Or that Christian or some form of it still exist to some of the human characters? I mean come on people, don't be that of a moron or ignorance bastard to hate a game purely of what some of the character are. Face it, religion is a part of life.

This isn't meant to be offense to atheist, but it sort of ticks me off that they go high and mighty because "they don't believe in fairy tales" and when a game has it, they act like its a huge slap to the face. I'm sorry, but I'm pretty damn sure we wouldn't have half of these games without the help of religion, or mythology of old religion from old times. At least in my opinion.

I agree. In my opinion for example the character of Ashley was more interesting due to her beliefs and you could question her about it. I thought that was tastefully done. I didn't like her character though, which is not entirely unrelated.

 

[Outcast107]

I agree. In my opinion for example the character of Ashley was more interesting due to her beliefs and you could question her about it. I thought that was tastefully one. I didn't like her character though, which is not entirely unrelated.

You know, I was going to use her as a example. She was more interesting due to her belief in why she doesn't like aliens. Though I didn't like her answer, it was better then just saying "O just hate aliens derp"

 

[wammnebu]

religion is a vital element to humanity as a whole. so if we are going to make more developed characters and environments religion is a must

 

[nin_ninja]

You know...why do people say that when a game has a "damn the god(s)" thing, they think that the dev actually hate religion or when they show religion in a good light that they are religion nut jobs?

I just don't get it. To me, it just story telling and that's it. Do people get piss off at Mass Effect because a lot of the aliens on their have religion beliefs? Or that Christian or some form of it still exist to some of the human characters? I mean come on people, don't be that of a moron or ignorance bastard to hate a game purely of what some of the character are. Face it, religion is a part of life.

This isn't meant to be offense to atheist, but it sort of ticks me off that they go high and mighty because "they don't believe in fairy tales" and when a game has it, they act like its a huge slap to the face. I'm sorry, but I'm pretty damn sure we wouldn't have half of these games without the help of religion, or mythology of old religion from old times. At least in my opinion.

Like I said, I'm atheist, and I like it when I'm allowed to express my views in game, but I don't care if I can't. Also, yes, without religion, stuff like fantasy and mythology wouldn't exist, and those provide many backgrounds for many games.

Also when people get upset at religion I always point out Halo (your avatar reminded me) where the Covenant are almost exactly like a religion. The story borrows many things from Christianity, and most people forget that.

 

[theonlyblaze2]

I think that religions in games add a layer that has been missing for quite some time. If the religion was made up for the game, it just shows that the creators care enough about this game to create something as conveluted as its own religion. And when the in game characters beliefs can affect what they do, the story just gets waaaayy deeper. What would Bioshock have been like if Andrew Ryan was a Catholic?

 

[Outcast107]

snip

Thanks for agreeing with me. Also, why can't more people have conversations like this more? Instead of "I think your retarded for believing in this!?" or "Your going hell for that?"

I just wish people would get along and not hate each other due to skin color, religion(Or non-religion), or where you are from in the world. Though to ask that would require a miracle or something else.

 

[PunkyMcGee]

I'm a Christian, and when I finished AC2 where it basically says religions are lies, I have to admit I felt a bit uncomfortable at first. Then I realized it was part of the story, a great one at that, and now I can't wait for the finale. As long as religion is handled respectfully and used to its full extent (not just thrown in out of nowhere "just because") it adds to the game as a whole.

I also feel kinda weird when the game says God (not gods, but God) did such and such, but then I realize that its part of the story and that it doesn't matter. Dante's Inferno is the only really religious game I can think of anyways.

then you haven't played Bible Quest

 

[CleverCover]

If the story is great, the characters believable and varied, the gameplay fun and playable, why the hell should I care?

I like stories. If the games' religion plays a big part in it then I'll keep playing to find out why and to understand the world and its characters just a bit more.

It's more fun that way than to shut myself off from everything just because the person has a different belief system than I do. I might as well dislike just about everyone I come across in a game then.

 

[Nimcha]

I agree. In my opinion for example the character of Ashley was more interesting due to her beliefs and you could question her about it. I thought that was tastefully one. I didn't like her character though, which is not entirely unrelated.

You know, I was going to use her as a example. She was more interesting due to her belief in why she doesn't like aliens. Though I didn't like her answer, it was better then just saying "O just hate aliens derp"

Indeed. For this character it added additional depth. And in my opinion a nice little reference to the intolerance of certain religions.

Also see Thane in ME2, he seems to have a very spiritual mind.

 

[Outcast107]

I agree. In my opinion for example the character of Ashley was more interesting due to her beliefs and you could question her about it. I thought that was tastefully one. I didn't like her character though, which is not entirely unrelated.

You know, I was going to use her as a example. She was more interesting due to her belief in why she doesn't like aliens. Though I didn't like her answer, it was better then just saying "O just hate aliens derp"

Indeed. For this character it added additional depth. And in my opinion a nice little reference to the intolerance of certain religions.

Also see Thane in ME2, he seems to have a very spiritual mind.

Yeah, Thane was pretty cool character in the game. I also like legion when you hear what the Geth ask the Quriens(SP?). About the Geth having a soul, which to me, add a whole new interest in the Geth as a race. Though I was already interested in The Geth/Quriens story lines anyways.

 

[RatRace123]

Meh I don't really care overall in "realistic" games.

In a fictional universe (like Dragon Age) I like it when they talk about relgion though, it gives the universe a sense of realness and authenticity and adds to the lore.
And in Dragon Age it's possible to play your character as an atheist, but it's actually difficult to determine whether there is a maker or not, especially considering the Urn questline.

 

[Nimcha]

I agree. In my opinion for example the character of Ashley was more interesting due to her beliefs and you could question her about it. I thought that was tastefully one. I didn't like her character though, which is not entirely unrelated.

You know, I was going to use her as a example. She was more interesting due to her belief in why she doesn't like aliens. Though I didn't like her answer, it was better then just saying "O just hate aliens derp"

Indeed. For this character it added additional depth. And in my opinion a nice little reference to the intolerance of certain religions.

Also see Thane in ME2, he seems to have a very spiritual mind.

Yeah, Thane was pretty cool character in the game. I also like legion when you hear what the Geth ask the Quriens(SP?). About the Geth having a soul, which to me, add a whole new interest in the Geth as a race. Though I was already interested in The Geth/Quriens story lines anyways.

Yes, Legion was also a great character. It provokes many ethical questions about machines and their status as sentient. What do you think, would such creatures posses anything like a soul?

 

[Sejs Cube]

Voted other.

It's entirely dependent on the game in question. It's the same with any other story feature, if it fits and makes the story better for its inclusion, great. If it feels forced or intrusive, then it's better left ignored. Long and short of it is that my personal beliefs don't really factor into whether religion being in a game makes it a better game or not.

 

[Vrex360]

I agree. In my opinion for example the character of Ashley was more interesting due to her beliefs and you could question her about it. I thought that was tastefully one. I didn't like her character though, which is not entirely unrelated.

You know, I was going to use her as a example. She was more interesting due to her belief in why she doesn't like aliens. Though I didn't like her answer, it was better then just saying "O just hate aliens derp"

Actually Ashley was going to be my example as well, but namely it was going to be my example of how people tend to overreact and shove hate about characters with religious beliefs (especially if they imply that its Christian beliefs) in games. It's kind of funny actually given how much crap people give her for being 'intolerant' and 'close minded' when it comes to aliens but they apparently have no problem freely and gladly discriminating against her religion.
If you ask me, it gave her depth and character. Because it helps us to sort of understand how seh might view the galaxy when she looks up at the stars, in a more emotional and spirtual way rather than a literal and practical way. That, combined with her very real human flaws and her capacity to move past those always made Ashley one of my favorite characters in gaming.

Too bad so many people just decided to lampoon her for it and call her a 'religious right fundementalist Christian zealot' because really nothing could be further from the truth. It's just a sad sign that in some cases, some portion of the gaming community can't be rational or open minded about a person's right to religious beliefs.
It's never been a coherent argument for me, to see people list 'open belief in a higher power' as being a justifiable reason to outright despise someone, but at the same time call said someone a 'bigot'.

Also as another note, if it hadn't been for the references to various religious references and themes presented within it, Halo would have just been just another alien shooter. The fact that it wasn't and it instead gave us the perspective of the Covenant and gained an understanding of their faith and religion gave the franchise some well needed depth. If you ask me.

So yeah, I think religion when applied right can really add something to the experience both in terms of character and in general story theme. The ultimate question of 'what is the purpose of life' is a question asked by millions of people with thousands of languages in hundreds of continents all over the world. True, I am myself an athiest but nevertheless the themes behind the various ways people interpret that question can make for great stories and characterization.

We just need to hope that people don't scream:
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH RELIGOS ZELOTTTTT!!!"
The second a character says:
"I believe in god."

 

[Braonan]

If the developer and designers wish it to be in the game, than they have every right to do as they please. No makes you purchase games. I am an atheist.

 

[Tanis]

Play FFT: Kill Evil Female Jesus

Fun times, fun times.


OT:
I don't care.

 

[InnerRebellion]

I'm an atheist, but I'm not a religion basher (unless it is WBC, or Scientology.)

I think if used correctly, religion can add to the flavor of a game, make a character more interesting. If used incorrectly, it can make the game seem like either: The devs are trying to force their views on you, or, the devs are trying to say that the religion mentioned is a load of horse manure.

 

[BreakfastMan]

Honestly, I really do not care if religion is used in games. Unless the game has a condescending and preachy message about religion that is. That type of stuff ticks me off in any medium.