July 19, 2005

Christian Video Games

So last night on the news they had this guy on there that is creating Christian video games. Well… here are my thoughts on that.

I can completely understand where he is coming from. What happened to the good old days of Super Mario Brothers? Video games are so disgusting now. They have alcohol, drugs, hookers; you take cars and hit cops, ridiculous.

I can understand the video game market trying to cater to an older audience as well by making gross games. I do marketing and publicity; I understand trying to tap into the taste of the demographic. However, it’s gotten a little out of hand. Video games are gross nowadays.

The man (sorry I can’t remember his name) who created the Christian game said his plan began to get kicked in action when he saw what happened at Columbine High School and heard that the two boys who did the shooting were avid fans of violent video games. No doubt they are influential on teenage behavior.

The game is set along the lines of trying to rescue Christians from Roman persecution. And while you are shooting at the Romans, you’re pointing the Sword of Salvation, designed with a big cross, and you’re not killing the Romans, you’re saving them, giving them the gift of eternal life and with each Roman saved a little “hallelujah” sound bite from The Messiah plays.

I hope this guy has success with his game. I really do. A 9-year-old on the news last night gave it a mediocre review, said it needed music and wouldn’t recommend it to his friends really, but the graphics seemed quality. It’s a good starting point.

Biggest fear for these guys is that it builds a reputation similar to that of stereotypical Christian Music. Cheesy. It’s always been my opinion the CCM music is always a step behind mainstream. You wait and see what the cool kids are doing and then try to think up a Christian alternative that’s almost as good, but never quite as great because you never take risks.

Comments:

Please Note! Failure to abide by the following may result in your comments being edited or deleted: Remain on topic. Foul language and/or personal attacks are not permitted. Excessive links (more than three per thread) must be approved first. If you do include a link in your comment, make sure it is a short link (go to tinyurl.com if it is too long). Try to keep comments to 125 words or less. Thank you.

Well stated.

Posted by: Creative Liberty at July 19, 2005 10:22 AM

I read about these games and while I think it's an interesting idea and concept, I can't help but see Flanders and his family on the Simpsons....

Posted by: Michael at July 19, 2005 11:28 AM

I think it's a good concept, my the actual idea for this video doesn't work. It STILL glorifies violence.
Why not a Christian video game based on Jesus, himself, forgiving people, feeding the hungry and loving the unloved?
While the major religions share a violent history, the message and the main messenger gets lost in the details.
A Christian video game? Easy. Make it about LOVE.

Posted by: Sharon at July 19, 2005 06:14 PM

PS...Excuse typos above.

Posted by: at July 19, 2005 06:15 PM