Good article about the state of Christian games

[ccgr]

http://www.polygon.com/features/2012/12 ... tian-games

[ArchAngel]

Long read but good. I admit I skimmed it, but I liked a lot of what I gleaned.

Christian gaming I do still find a bit of a fascinating concept (having once been an aspiring christian-game developer), and I think much of the industry has been going about it all wrong.
So many people want to make Christian Games as a ministry. And it's understandable, the draw to minister to others is fostered in christian environments, but this can't be the motivation (and not many understand this). They fundamentally see gaming the wrong way; people often view gaming as entertainment, which they can use as a witness to non-believers or a clean, spiritual alternative. But gaming is more than this, it's the new emergent art. This is important to understand and grasp.

When you design a game, it's both an expression of yourself that you want to present to the gamer in a certain manner. You're not trying to preach to them, you're trying to connect. Here, I think Ryan Green gets what a lot of people didn't; he's expressing himself. Until people realize they have dig deep within, they games will continue to feel shallow.
People have a lot to express about their faith and their journey, but they forget sometimes to show their true self and instead opt for the sunday sermon, because that's what they "should" show.

If you want to know more about this, check out the Christian Developer's Network. Mack, the admin, has a lot of insight into the Christian Gaming Industry (especially being a past and current contributor to it). Definitely worth spending the time talking to him.

[DeadManReedeemed]

.........All right. Let's see what you got, Polygon. Who knows? Maybe I'll run into you someday...........

[Sstavix]

But gaming is more than this, it's the new emergent art. This is important to understand and grasp.

Yes, yes and yes. I heartily agree. Games - especially video games - are emerging as an interactive form of art in ways that other mediums can't grasp. It allows the viewer to become involved in the work, and in exchange, be shaped by it themselves. When done well, it can be an amazing and influential experience (hee hee... see my thread in General Discussions about working in video games into your everyday activities as just one example!)

If Christian game designers - artists - realized this, then they could shape their art to reflect this without heavy-handed preaching. Players could receive - and be influenced by - Christian messages and principles without realizing it... or if they do discover it, realize that they like it and be filled with a desire to learn more.

[FamilyFriendlyGaming]

Good to see more discussion on Christian games.

I disagree on the art thing, and here is why - "It's art!" is routinely used to excuse something offensive. It is also extremely subjective. I look at a Picasso and say thats a waste of space. Someone else sees it as art and holds it in this high esteem. Almost to the point of worshipping it. So there is the danger of it becoming a false idol as well.

Are there artistic games? Sure. There can be amazing drawings, orchestra music, etc. At the same time there is more going on. Video games are imparting their world view. And if the worldview is - "It's art, and you can't question that." Then I have a serious problem with that. Especially when we realize the definition of modern day art is what offends the masses, or what offends Christians. I do not want to see video games fall into that trap.

One thing to keep in mind is I was raised in an area where art was shoved down our throats against our wills. So I have a very negative view and opinion of art. So it could be a knee jerk reaction on my part from a past of being artistically abused. And experiencing the damage art zealots spread.

[Sstavix]

And if the worldview is - "It's art, and you can't question that."

Then, in my opinion, that worldview is wrong. Art is supposed to invite the viewer to ask questions, find answers. In the process, the viewer may even find rebuttals and provide counter-views to any perceived messages the artist is trying to convey.

Art is supposed to provoke thought, not pacify the viewer into unthinking, blind acceptance.

That's what we have television for.

[FamilyFriendlyGaming]

And if the worldview is - "It's art, and you can't question that."

Art is supposed to provoke thought, not pacify the viewer into unthinking, blind acceptance.

So then a column someone writes, or a post they make can be considered art?
Since it could provoke thought, and maybe even dissent.

What about the Holy Bible? It provokes thought. Is that art?

What about a map? I have to think about which road to take.

I agree with you on that worldview being wrong.

[Sstavix]

So then a column someone writes, or a post they make can be considered art?
Since it could provoke thought, and maybe even dissent.

It depends on the nature of the post. If the post is merely to exchange information or engage in a discussion in an on-line format, such as this one, then no, not really. Discussions and debates are not art. However, people can post short stories, chapters of longer works, and images or videos that they have created in order to generate feedback. Those could be construed as art.

What about the Holy Bible? It provokes thought. Is that art?

It depends on how you approach it. Certain portions of the Bible - such as the Song of Solomon and the Psalms - definitely qualify. Other portions - such as Paul's letters - not so much. Those portions that focus on historical accounts can be debatable, as you could have a debate about whether or not the presentation of such history is a form of artistic medium (people can present history... or they can present history in an embellished, entertaining fashion. One good example that comes to my mind is a series called "American Ride." The man who hosts it talks about U.S. history with a surprising amount of detail. But he's dressed as a biker, drives around on his Harley to these various historical sites and even engages in historical recreations from time to time.)

What about a map? I have to think about which road to take.

Some maps can be quite artistic. If there is any portion that reads "Here there be Dragons," you may be looking at a piece of artwork. Or advice to stay out of the city.

[DeadManReedeemed]

Look, man. We just some Christian games that don't feel like a waste of time.

[FamilyFriendlyGaming]

Sstavix,
AWesome answers thank you. Different people draw the line at different places. Different people have different opinions on the topic.

DeadManReedeemed,
By whose standard are they a waste of time? By God's standard? By man's?

How many Christian games have you played?

I can tell you from personal experience in our family that we still play and love The Bible Game. It is by far one of the best party games, and it is a Christian game. Derek is a wonderful Christian game that astounded me with its depth. Larryboy and the Bad Apple was a fantastic platformer. Spiritual Warfare from back in the day is better than The Legend of Zelda. Was it a clone? Sure it was, but it also improved the genre. So did Bible Adventures. Walls of Jericho on the PC moved the bar up for match three games when it was released. Those are just off the top of my head without doing any research.

I feel like I have wasted my time and money on plenty of worldly games.

[DeadManReedeemed]

I'm not saying they're shouldn't be Christian games (HECK, WHEN I FINISH MY COLLEGE AND GO TO BRAMSONORT I'M GONNA WANT TO START MAKING MY OWN!!!!!), but I think we all need to go deeper than we already have now. That's all I'm saying.