Religion in Video Games

[Xanadeas]

I think Xenogears took the most interesting look at religion.

If you know what I'm talking about, then you [b/]know[/b] what I'm talking about.

I /loved/ the way Xenogears did it. It was freaking awesome... Though Xenosaga kinda went off the rails with it. @_@

I don't mind religion in my games so much... Unless of course it's trying to say I should be this or that religion or I'll burn in hell/gotopurgatory/sufferforevercusimaheathen....

 

[Kayevcee]

I'm all for it, as long as the writers don't slack off on the research if they're going for a realistic setting and don't use the game as their personal soap box. Andrew Ryan made his feelings on matters spiritual pretty clear, but that was the nature of his character and I was glad that the writers didn't shy away from it. The mournful hymns of the deranged fishermen splicers sort of got to me as well in a way that a more generic tune wouldn't have *lip quiver*

If it's a fantasy setting however, then the more demented the religious symbolism is the better. If I'm playing a J-RPG and I pick up a Moses Totem that summons a 50ft lime green ostrich with a false beard that hammers the enemy ten times with a stone tablet then I have only one word for it- awesome

-Nick

 

[x0ny]

Not really bothered, their game, they can do whatever they want, if people get offended that's their problem.

 

[Burnswell]

Just another fantasy on the pile. Meh.

 

[Tdc2182]

You don't believe in the evolution theory? Wow. Still, I respect your opinion, lets not debate about it here.

OP: Game developers are companies, so they'll try and please the largest amount of the audience they can, and since most of the western world is pretty secular (not atheist, but secular) it'll mostly be to that agenda, and religion won't play a part in it much.

Besides, we've all seen what horrible messes occur when religion gets heavily inserted into videogames. Let us not forget Left Behind.

[sub]Oh, what a terrible game that was...[/sub]

Same, I believe in evolution and I am religious.

OT: By all means, go ahead. It works in movies, why not games

 

[Hussmann54]

I think the team behind assasins creed (at least one, I havent played two) holds up a perfect example of keeping a religion significant in a story, but not beating you silly with the message. Im a christian and I actually detest christian video game makers simply because there work is bad and distasteful, in the "game" and even most of the time, in the religious aspect (I believe one game I read a brief summary of some time ago had the player as one of the original 12 disciples spreading the gospel by killing roman soldiers..... yeah......)
I think that video games are not a good ground upon which to preach to people. People have blended the christian message in other forms of media and done quite well, but Im doubtful of the video game industry.

Towards that end, I return to Assassins creed as my model for excellent use of religion in a game. If you really dont care or dont want to hear about it, then it can simply be dismissed and the game enjoyed while ignoring the undertone/theme/story whatever. And on the other side, it can help with the task of immersion and helping the player better understand the world in which his character lives.

(A fail for this, as it is in many other ways, is Dantes Inferno, Or as I call it: A massive butchering of a beloved literary classic for the sake of hooking in the spectacle fighting game crowd.)


Personally I have no problem with religious undertones and subtle messages in video games, Such as Fallout 3`s reference to Revelations 22:1, or 22:17, at the moment I cant remember which, but they both mention the river of the waters of life.

 

[GiantRedButton]

I like the old religions like the greek or indian gods etc.
Christian or muslim games wouldn´t make much sense though, because any great evil that tries to take over the world would just be stopped by the almighty and undisputed god.
Theres no need for heroes if a perfect god exists in the games universe.

 

[Shawshanker]

Depends on how it's used. I love games based on the Greek, Norse, and and Egyptian religions. I don't see Christianity making a good game though.

I disagree, even though I am athiest the Assassin's Creed series uses Christianity to make a very unique plot that I really enjoy.

 

[flamingjimmy]

I'm an atheist, and I don't mind religion in games at all.

I love fantasy stories in games and what's more fantastical than gods who interact with the world? It makes for interesting stories, I'd be all for games that take place in worlds where Christian/Hindu/whatever mythology is true. I'd be happy to hunt demons in the name of Jesus (preferably with a shotgun) in a videogame for example, that would be cool. Who cares if it's not true? Gordon Freeman doesn't really exist either!

 

[Snowalker]

As long as they aren't talking about how good a religion is, I don't care, though I do like it when they tell you how terrible religions are.

In other words, "As long as its Anti-Religion or atheistic, I'm cool with it, otherwise it sucks."

I am an opened minded individual, oh wait, according to this forum I can't be because I am also a Christian, give me a break. Look, as long as its not forced into game as in "YOU SHOULD BELIEVE THIS OR ELSE!" I'm fine with it. I mean, in Christianity we are supposed to spread the word, not force it down peoples throat. We are also supposed to be humble, meek, and non-judging. All this tells me, I should have an open mind, state my opinions, if they disagree, move on without conflict. As for the quoted guy, I realize you're going to call me a hypocrite for saying to have no conflict then sound as if I'm being mean against your beliefs. To an extent, you might have a point, however, if you're not going to be open minded with my beliefs, why should I bother with yours?

P.S. I liked the way Fallout 3 added that brief little verse from the bible. Thought it was kinda cool.

 

[Caliostro]

Why not? Games cover fantasy, so why shouldn't they cover religion?

 

[kasperbbs]

I'm not religious and i don't really care if there are some religious themes in a game as long as they are used right ,for example dragon age ,god of war. But i can't imagine a game with christianity.. I really don't mind religion as long as they don't come to my home and try to preach it to me and that happened more then a few times..

 

[foodmaniac]

I'm personally fine with religion being in games. I mean, look at Suikoden Tierkries (or however you spell it). The Big Bad is a religious preacher, and I enjoyed his spin on religion.

 

[Casual Shinji]

.

I wonder what a Shinto would think of Okami.

These are people who are diametrically opposed to enforcing their religion, and given that it features their primary diety kicking ass and tearing out tracheas with her razor sharp wolf teeth, I don't think they would mind too much.

Shinto is as much folklore as it is a religion. There are probably hundreds of games and anime that are heavily influenced by Shinto.
And if you follow a religion where everything in the physical universe has a god (even CD's) it'd be a little impractical to have long toes.

 

[Doug]

what is your guys opinion about Religion in video games? Do you believe that developers should be able to put their own religion into their games or do you think they shouldnt be allowed to becuase it would stir controverous.

I mean,I am christian and I dont like the evolution theory and it was in the bio for Humans in ME2/1(I believe so) but yet I dont feel offended or anything, if thats what the creators think is the truth that is fine I dont care and the game series is still one of my favorite ever.

(I know that the evolution theory isnt really a religious thing, well kinda... but still can be kinda used as an example of peoples beliefs.)

Its science, not religion. I don't care if the religious try and label is 'Darwinism' and try and make it look like a religion, its science.

And if Christians can have christian based games (yes they do exist, although from what I can tell, they suck), why not?

 

[likalaruku]

I prefur them to use made-up religions, prefurably with a goddess or a large plethora of gods, but no real-world religions.

 

[Snotnarok]

I've killed several Gods in various vidja games. Bring on the Gods, I will crush de kowards.