Question of the Day, August 17, 2010

[Calico93]

Being a rather passionate atheist I would hope that games do not do this, religious myths can be awesome (mostly greek myths - sick ass creatures) but they don't force religion upon the players.
And besides who the fuck plays a game, completes it and suddenly becomes religious specifically because of that game.
No references to video games in the bible so I vote NO !

 

[Dobrev]

Religion is always a touchy subject. And it is that way because people tend to have strong believes about it.

Gaming like any other media, sport or public activity should not contain influences. Thatis why there are strict laws on advertizing. Any meesages such events can carry are:

No Violence. No Racism. Fair Play.

 

[Covarr]

It depends how it's done, really. I don't have any problem with the idea of video games and religion done together, but it could end up being a piece of trash, like the Left Behind game, or something like a stupid trivia game. As for using a non-religious game to promote religion, like DDR, I think it's kinda pointless.

P.S. Thanks

 

[klipton]

It should be used, many great hoollywood classics are religion-based and i enjoy them, even tough i despise religion. Religious art used to be the most vanguardist one, because you can put complex things in a religious context and that way you don´t get banned. And anyway, if the games sucks, nobody is going to buy them.

 

[Dora]

I actually hit the "No" choice, but, you know, I'm not sure. Certainly there are religious games out there, and I have no problem with people making or playing them. I mean, I don't like sports games but I don't think people shouldn't make them.

What I have a problem with are games that are "stealth religious"; you know, nobody comes out and says they're trying to convert you, but you start noticing all the non-religious characters dying off while the religious are supposed to be the smartest, most charismatic characters around and save the day. And the lesson always seems to revolve around people getting punished for their "sins", when in reality all most of them are guilty of is being human. As soon as I realise I'm being lectured to, all my enjoyment goes out the window. I don't like any sort of media with an agenda, especially one that tries to tell me I'm a bad person who deserves to die for disagreeing with it.

I guess my stance is, "Make what you want, but be up front about it." I am happily agnostic, and I am happy for people who are religious, but I don't enjoy being preached to. Presume I've made my own informed decisions, just as you've made yours.

 

[AdamRBi]

I don't see why they shouldn't, Art is very versatile in what message it wants to communicate.

Wether or not it'd be a good game is a different issue all together. PSAs, as a rule, are never good. You tell a story for the sole purpose of promoting something it won't be good.

 

[GTA_Guru07]

I think I'd rather have Sprunk Cola and Badger giving me different ways to drink and to talk on the phone then have Jesus telling me that I shouldn't of plowed all those pedestrians on way to Roman Bellic's house lol.

 

[Random Argument Man]

It can...but that doesn't mean that I will play it.

 

[About To Crash]

It's an interesting and kind of difficult question. At the same time, I hate being preached to in any way, but I do love the freedom different media give for people to express their ideas. So while I wouldn't want to see any of those games, it should be allowed.

 

[Myster XIII]

Video Games, like any other medium, should not be used to force beliefs on anybody. Religion is a path best followed alone. Make you own decisions and learn to use that thing call free will.

 

[emeraldrafael]

No, but then again I'm not big with Organized religion. Too much misunderstanding and people saying I'm right, listen to me.

Besides, we all know where it will lead. Someone will play against someone else on multiplayer, one will get offended when the game takes a pro-whatever stance, the company will get sued, or the person will take it too personally and then you will have company against religion legal battles whihc will eventually end in the same game getting remade against and again for each different type of religion.


Just keep it simple please. No messages about the real world, no commentary on issues of the time. JUst keep them fun.

 

[Alar]

I don't think videogames are the right tool for promoting God. Think about how many times someone has yelled out, "God damnit!"

From what I've seen, religious people will use anything to force their beliefs upon others.

Agreed.

Seconded.

Then again, constitutionally speaking I don't think we can stop them. We can make sure they don't do things like, market it to kids and make sneaky deals to ensure that it is put in schools, but I would hope they don't make it completely obvious.

I wonder if a disclaimer could be added... "All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental."

 

[joshthor]

OK. here is my opinion:

The preacher plays dance dance revolution, and thanks the lord for giving him the ability: he isnt making a game thats purely a christian dance dance revolution (also, that isnt necessarily a bad thing, it would probably be a crappy game though), (there isnt a link but would assume hes not saying that everyone will get awesome dance dance powers if they believe in god.

Now: we have freedom of speech laws that allow people to say whatever they want no matter how stupid. people can make videos of dog fights and they are considered freedom of speech (they may be arrested if they made the dogs fight though) so why wouldnt a religious, non violent, non horrifying thing be considered freedom of speech

Also: im hearing alot of "they are pushing religion" or "people shouldnt be exposed to religion, they should find it themselves" those are just kind of stupid, on the first hand: unless you have the will power of a flying squirrel, you are not going to listen to a salvation message and be like "OMG I NEED TO DO THIS FOR SOME REASON" it may leave you thinking about it, but thats the same thing you will go away with from any pg movie, speech, or art show. about the latter, look, i agree kids shouldnt be forced into a religion, but if you want your kids to share your faith, or be raised with good values, there is nothing wrong with bringing them to church with you. go to any church and they will tell you the same thing: over half of all kids will drop out of church when they leave home. they obviously arent being brainwashed, they are able to leave and most of them lead happy lives.

 

[Omikron009]

Religious videogames are usually pretty terribad, but it doesn't mean that they shouldn't be allowed to exist.

 

[Darktau]

Should? If they want to, it's their money (open to debate) they are using to make the game, let them go for it.

Realistically? Probably not, it's not the best medium for religious promotion, as religious games tend to not go so well.

 

[Canadamus Prime]

Short answer, no. Long answer, Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Ok Zero Punctuation references aside, I'll answer plainly, should they? No. Will they? Count on it. Have they already? You bet your ass.

 

[T-Bone24]

If I'm having fun with a game, I couldn't care any less for its underlying themes. Go ahead, I say, so long as the game is fun.

 

[SomebodyNowhere]

I went with yes since while I might not agree with an ideal I appreciate the effor put into promoting it. Hell, if cookware (primarily ones ability to bend it) can be used to promote religion, why not video games?

 

[Joe Matsuda]

well...I don't very much like religion...

but I'd have to say that videogames should just be a form of entertainment

...they shouldn't really promote anything...besides the "entertainment" part of course...