I don't agree with everything he says, but at least he breaks it down and analyzes it on a real level and how it as an art connects with him, rather than some superficial "I don't want to commit extreme blasphemy" nonsense. Give it a read. What do you think about it?
Best line I've read this year
we must not grow so fearful of losing the baby that we neglect to throw out the bathwater.
I have to be honest, I think that he shouldn't have gotten his money back in the first place. First point of all, the bigger point, is that it is a bioshock game. A game that frankly speaking, has more room for science then it does religious text of any sort. And I KNOW that the Bible does say Thou shall not kill." He is clearly using religion as an excuse to get his money back, because he didn't like the game. I have games that I don't like or can't play on my steam account, does that mean that I can complain and get my money back? Don't get me wrong, I'm not against Christians getting equal footing in gaming. But I have a problem with someone taking advantage of something that wasn't meant to be taken advantage of in the first place.
ccgr wrote:it wasn't the violence though, it was the cult references that he took offense to. That part was a suprise, not the killing which is a given.
When people use religious overtones to cover up petty reasons of them not liking something, it's called a CYA. People use religious overtones to get a game changed all the time. Look at Soul Sacrifice if you want a good example.
On one hand, I appreciate Valve giving the refund. Also, I respect people's conviction who were offended by the game (what bugs one person as a Christian may not bug another). I would probably be offended as well.
On the other hand, those were offended by the game and wanted their money back pretty much don't much of an excuse in this day and age where we have sites like CCGR, YouTube walkthroughs and Wikipedia to spoil an entire TV show for us. Which is why I'm able to avoid a whole slew of games and I don't waste my money. Its why I sought out CCGR in the first place and have gotten into game development of my own. So it was an incredibly nice gesture from Valve, in spite of that.
So I don't agree with bashing their conviction for the sake of it (NOT that anyone here is doing that, just saying in general). But those who were offended should've been more savvy, given our technological age.
