Christian games could go next gen?

[Vandenh]

The BBC has a rather interesting article (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4534835.stm) about a Christian games company planning to develop games on consoles. Check it out.
"No blood, no guts, no gore," says Rev Bagley. "What we want are emotionally full games that don't just rely on adreneline.

"We are trying to build the genre of Christian gaming. People are tired of having these violent, demonic games dictating to their kids."
Ok some parts of that article might be funny for not so religious types (like me), but I didn't post it as flamebait. There probably is a market for stuff like this.

[Abednigo]

There is a market for it. People didn't think a movie like The Passion would do well, and it did. Other Christian themed films have been utter crap (The Omega Code and Left Behind), but when they are done well, people will see it. it's the same with games. There is a place for games like this, they just can't be total crap.

[Klade]

There is a market for games that don't have demonic figures or blood and guts. And Nintendo has been marketing towards it since the 80's. Not sure though how many people want games with christian themes in them... And besides if the Simpsons has taught me anything its that the bible is full of blood and guts ;)

[Rommel]

I am for this. Maybe this can convince some senators that gaming is at least media, and maybe art. Of course, I suppose the sympathy orchestras playing Final Fantasy theme s didn't work either - so I do not know what will.

[Banacek]

There's a huge market for it. I'm actually surprised that there aren't more Christian video games out there.

[Blue]

There is easily a load of material ripe for video games within the Christian world. You could make a ton of Dynasty Warrior games using this model alone. I personally would want to be Samson smiting my enemies with the jawbone of an ass.

[MosBen]

Does a Sympathy Orchestra also include a section of the world's smallest violin's?

(I know it was just a typo; I'm not trying to be a dick, that typo just struck me as funny)

[Savok]

There is a market for it. People didn't think a movie like The Passion would do well, and it did.

Which was a film about how much blood Jesus had, doesn't quite fit in with the Rev's ideas.

[Hieremias]

While low-budget titles that I've not heard of probably do exist, I'm surprised there aren't more well-known Christian games geared for kids. Bible trivia, "help Moses move through the wilderness", etc. I know there are plenty of board games with these ideas.

I'm ignoring, of course, the couple of "shoot the pagan with the power of the cross" games that have gained attention only because of their stupidity. I suspect most Christians would ignore that kind of crap too.

Edit: Oh wait, I just RTFA, turns out this pastor actually made one of these crap shooter games I remembered: "investors turned down his first-person Christian shooter, Catechumen." Nevermind then, his goals are all wrong.

[Hieremias]

Which was a film about how much blood Jesus had, doesn't quite fit in with the Rev's ideas.
The obvious difference, of course, is that many blood-and-guts videogames glorify the violence and portray it as an element of entertainment, whereas The Passion showed it in the light of realistic suffering. I presume, anyway; I haven't seen the movie. But it's extremely ridiculous to think the "violence" in The Passion is the same as a Grand Theft Auto game.

Whether you're religious or not you can at least appreciate the pastor's desire for more games that don't rely on adrenaline and violence. I don't mind a good violent action game, but some more variety would be nice. And as Klade said, Nintendo has been marketing this for years.

[Rommel]

Does a Sympathy Orchestra also include a section of the world's smallest violin's?


Several of them actually! There is a lead world's smallest violinist and everything. I came back to fix that typo, but you're right that is too funny. It stays!

[xcalibur]

I have always thought the book of Revelations and the End-Times, Armageddon, etc. would make a great game, featuring the battle between Angelic and Demonic forces, Jesus and the Anti-Christ, etc, etc...

I think it could be cool.


-X

[XxSATANxX]

I'm confused when did adrenaline become a bad thing?

Games are a huge market, vast. Like Hollywood you have PORN and Winne the Pooh.

To generalize games as gore fest shooters misses the mark. (pun intended)

Christian games? PLEAZZZE!

How bout some Islam games, or Hindu maybe a Buddist game?

I suspect that if the rev had his way he'd edit out all the wars, violence, death, murder and adrenaline out of the Bible.

We have plenty of Family Value games to choose from already. No need to corner the higher ground by claiming to develop Christian games.

But hey if it makes him a buck what the hell......

[Vandenh]

^^ Well what would you expect from Satan ;)

[XxSATANxX]

I have always thought the book of Revelations and the End-Times, Armageddon, etc. would make a great game, featuring the battle between Angelic and Demonic forces, Jesus and the Anti-Christ, etc, etc...

I think it could be cool.


-X

Man I could see it now CHRIST KILLAS by Ion Storm.....Oh John Romero where are you when I need you!!!!!

[yutt]

We've already had games with Christian themes.

"(DOOM 3 was almost unanimously voted by Evil Avatar.com readers as 'Worst Game of the Year')" - Evil Avatar

[joruussuun]

I can see it now...
American McGee's Jesus

[kid cabelgo]

I'm confused when did adrenaline become a bad thing?

Games are a huge market, vast. Like Hollywood you have PORN and Winne the Pooh.

To generalize games as gore fest shooters misses the mark. (pun intended)

Christian games? PLEAZZZE!

How bout some Islam games, or Hindu maybe a Buddist game?

I suspect that if the rev had his way he'd edit out all the wars, violence, death, murder and adrenaline out of the Bible.

We have plenty of Family Value games to choose from already. No need to corner the higher ground by claiming to develop Christian games.

But hey if it makes him a buck what the hell......


Adrenaline is just the evil force of satan flowing through you.

It is something to be feared.

[Blue]

How bout some Islam games, or Hindu maybe a Buddist game?.

A Buddhist game? Sure, I'd like to buy a chanting simulator please.....

[Gitaroomaan]

A Buddhist game? Sure, I'd like to buy a chanting simulator please.....

Personally, I'd go for the "nothingness" sim.

[Maskatron]

I've been waiting forever for a sequel to Catechuman (http://web.archive.org/web/20001018180328/www.oldmanmurray.com/features/nlightning/page1.shtml).

[Phades]

Wasn't Painkiller a Christian game?? :)

I think there's lots of stuff in the Bible that could be used to make a really cool game. If they made one and it was really good, I could see myself buying it. Sadly though, almost all of these games suck.... except for Painkiller. That was awesome.

[Chagrinful]

Lets see a game adaptation of Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter, tha'd rock. Seriously though I see why they want to spread the virus to gaming, so they can infect more stupid impressionable minds, sad shit this is.

[The_Reckoning]

rofl, someone's letter:

"In the case of Doom, what's more Christian then purging Mars of deamons dragged out of Hell? The history of Christianity is littered with far more violent events."
James Rdoger, Southampton

Being completely secular, I'd enjoy a Severance/Neverwinter Nights-style slash em' up with daemons and kin to kill, where I play a Christian paladin. So long as I have superpowers, like Hammer Of The Gods :D

There are loads of game series which embelish purging evil, such as: Diablo, Doom, Warhammer, Severance, Painkiller and NWN.

If the Bible-bashers want to make a gorefree game, so be it. They're just ignoring reality (as far as gore is concerned, not daemons).

[XxSATANxX]

......wait for it........

XTREME JESUS

"This is not vengence it's PUNISHMENT"

[bradlay]

The problem with this idea and christian movies is that good games and movies come from an idea for a game or a movie. People with an agenda usually push out the first piece of crap that fits that agenda.

Also, Passion of the Christ was the most violent film I've seen in awhile. Last Temptation was a much better flick.

[retsudo]

What a load of shit. Christianity is responsible for some of the most violent acts of history, not to mention the thankfully mythical mass slaughter depicted throughout the bible. Don't these brainwashed fucktards read their own book?

[Bushido]

Im down with Jesus and his horde of horny angels

[DeadPixel]

Undying: Return of the Jesus

Jesus turned undead didn't he?

[Blue]

What a load of shit. Christianity is responsible for some of the most violent acts of history, not to mention the thankfully mythical mass slaughter depicted throughout the bible. Don't these brainwashed fucktards read their own book?

Yes, I did actually. Have a Masters in Religious Studies come to think of it. Nice to know that you've decided to use the blanket approach when speaking about a certain demographic. You're point makes a lot more sense now.

[MosBen]

Jesus to perp: "You judged, now you've been judged!"

Yeah, I'd like to see a Lemmings style game where you, as Moses, lead the Isrealites back to Canaan. And, of course, Christian gaming would benefit from a God game.

Let's see, Budhist games...let me think about it...ok that's the game right there...

There should also be more games about Norse and Greek mythology, not just dealing with the characters, but allowing the player to take part in the stories of those religious systems; completely Heracles' labors, battling the giants of Niflheim as Thor.

For some brief seriousness, I don't know why games shouldn't be based on the Bible or any other religious text. Give me a good setting and an interesting story and some good gameplay and I'm set. That said, it'd be an extrodinary game that would actually change my mind about any of these issues one way or another. Still, a good game is a good game.

[GrinR]

Blue, don't bother. The bible-freaks and hardcore atheists are different wings of the same survivalist bunker. Ironically, the majority of both were indoctrinated as children.

[Blue]

Blue, don't bother. The bible-freaks and hardcore atheists are different wings of the same survivalist bunker. Ironically, the majority of both were indoctrinated as children.

I think that may be the most sensible thing said so far. Good point GrinR, thanks.

[fitbabits]

I have the grave misfortune of working with a born-again Christian. She is always talking about the games that she lets her kids play and, while not Satanic in nature, they are not really the kinds of games that her kids should be playing (GTA, etc.). To clarify, her kids are 9 and 11.

The fucked up thing about her view of religion is that she punishes her kids for watching R-rated movies (apart from The Passion of The Christ, of course) and TV shows that are not Christian in nature (hell, she even grounded them for watching Pimp My Ride!) – yet she happily allows them to play M-rated games.

Is there a point to my post? Yes, and it’s that there will always be those who claim on one hand that mainstream video games are destroying our culture while on the other hand letting their own kids play the sort of games that they are trying to prevent being marketed. Hypocrisy.

EDIT - Just realised that my post is not really relevant to the subject in question, but I'll leave it here until I'm asked to remove it as I think it's pertinent.

[Shodan2020]

Wasn't Painkiller a Christian game?? :)


Let's not forget Requiem. Where you actually played as an Angel of Justice. I just remember playing the demo and killing that twisted demon chick boss with boobies.

[Shodan2020]

......wait for it........

XTREME JESUS

"This is not vengence it's PUNISHMENT"

Possibly the only game that could be worse than Xtreme Paintbrawl.

[XxSATANxX]

Colossians 3:22 NAB

Slaves, obey your human masters in everything, not only when being watched, as currying favor, but in simplicity of heart, fearing the Lord.

(Man who writes this stuff????)

[dr_qwandry]

no blood
no guts
games that don't run on adrenaline?

adventure games?

[Lysiander]

Well, I tried to reply to the actuall article, don't know wether or not it will be published, but I figured I'd give you guys a chance to comment. :)

Well, what never ceases to amaze me is the view on games such as doom or resident evil. I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but the most basic concept, what it all boils down to, of the bible and religion is the thriumph of good over evil.
And when boiled down to it's basics, about 95% of all games are designed to incorporate exactly that concept. The most basic goal in pretty much every game (with some exceptions of course) defeating the bad guy and saving the good ones. Well, that is what religion is basically about. Doing the right thing.
I can understand that parents are concerned with gore and violence. That is not a christian but a societal problem. However, protective and over protective are two different things. I personally agree that some games went out of hand, but to outright cut the realism from gaming wont do children a service. The always complained about "loss of reality" that some children might suffer in gaming is directly tied to violence in more then one way. On one hand, there are no repecussions for beeing a bloodthirsty vulture in games. On the other hand however, projecting an image where violence does not hurt people (aka, not showing blood) can create the exact same loss of reality.
What it all boils down to is that the answer is not to cut everything out that might be offensive in some way, but to pratice caution on what is shown to whom and most importantly, to make sure people understand what they see. Censorship in any way, be it in gaming, in press or tv will never replace answering questions and talking to your children. We cannot protect our children from the world. We can only make sure they are prepared for it.

[Liquidize105]

I have always thought the book of Revelations and the End-Times, Armageddon, etc. would make a great game, featuring the battle between Angelic and Demonic forces, Jesus and the Anti-Christ, etc, etc...

I think it could be cool.

-X
It does, but the bible is largely metaphorical. I don't think ideas and events from any holy text should be predefined by physicality.

[XxSATANxX]

It does, but the bible is largely metaphorical. I don't think ideas and events from any holy text should be predefined by physicality.

Dude.... What the FUck?? Man I assume u nevar get laid... :eek:

[yutt]

Dude.... What the FUck?? Man I assume u nevar get laid... :eek:
You're making yourself look quite ignorant with a reply like that. Did he use too big of words? I thought atheists were supposed to have a monopoly on intellectual superiority.

[01010]

Dude.... What the FUck?? Man I assume u nevar get laid... :eek:

Yes and you strike me as being a super stud, posting on a gaming forum and all.

What he actually said was rather good, if you care to try to undestand, however difficult that may be.

[XxSATANxX]

Aight splain it to me then???

First guy says End of days would make a wippy game. Then we get this

but the bible is largely metaphorical. I don't think ideas and events from any holy text should be predefined by physicality

Sorry but it lost me.

Seems like a bunch of movies, books and stuff have been built around the end of all things.

But it would'nt make a good game cause why again????

The answer just hit me wrong this being EA I decided being a smacktard was my only option. Anybody who's been here a bit understands that. Methaphorically of course!

[Liquidize105]

I don't know what the hot spots are to trick around in Elk Grove Village, IL, but do kindly point the way for this lost soul of the pass to TRUE nirvana. Or maybe you're just a lil past the age to be talking to me about how to cruise fine pussies in my own neck of the woods.

Am I talkin' ur language yet, pops? Or would you prefer to meet up and we can throw down n settle this the old fashioned way? Cus I'm down with that :)

[gravey]

Aight splain it to me then???

First guy says End of days would make a wippy game. Then we get this

but the bible is largely metaphorical. I don't think ideas and events from any holy text should be predefined by physicality

Sorry but it lost me.

Seems like a bunch of movies, books and stuff have been built around the end of all things.

But it would'nt make a good game cause why again????

The answer just hit me wrong this being EA I decided being a smacktard was my only option. Anybody who's been here a bit understands that. Methaphorically of course!

Ah, so you're trying to write like that? I don't want to flame or stray too far OT, but come on: are you making an effort here, or does it just come naturally? "Sorry but it lost me" indeed.

To add 2c: A game with Christian themes should come just as easily as a game with economic themes, or exploration themes, or crime themes. As long as nobody's under the delusion the games will make effective tools for proselytizing (America's Army, anyone?), and some effort is put into production value, go for it. Niche appeal, mainstream appeal, the market's big enough.

[B_Money]

A Buddhist game? Sure, I'd like to buy a chanting simulator please.....

Played any Star Wars games? You've already been playing Buddist games.

[XxSATANxX]

I don't know what the hot spots are to trick around in Elk Grove Village, IL, but do kindly point the way for this lost soul of the pass to TRUE nirvana. Or maybe you're just a lil past the age to be talking to me about how to cruise fine pussies in my own neck of the woods.

Am I talkin' ur language yet, pops? Or would you prefer to meet up and we can throw down n settle this the old fashioned way? Cus I'm down with that :)


POPS :eek: LOL!

Uhm I guess I'll consider us even ;)

[Hijinx]

How bout some Islam games, or Hindu maybe a Buddist game?

They do have those type of games.

[Savok]

Simulators (including your Harvest Moons, Sim Towers, Transportation, Economic, so on)
Puzzle games
Adventure
Communication games
Educational games

[mister_slim]

I predict more preaching about the evils of non-Christian videogames and another attempt at keeping white religious America culturally separate.

eh.

[Adewade]

Sim-Amish.

[MosBen]

Well, I think there would be plenty of people that would argue that the Bible should be read literally, and not at all metaphorically. It doesn't really matter though because all we're talking about is a source material for games and whether literally true, metaphorically true, or simply fictional, it can still make for a good basis for a game.

[Racknahm]

I'm sorry, but even when I believed in god, I thought christian rock was shitty as hell. I also never understood why these people have something against games which you fight the forces of hell in the name of all that is good. I've heard of dumber things done in the name of god. I also think that all religions have their fair share of nutters that kill in the name of their religion.