Some discussion starters:
- What are some of your favorite examples of religion in games?
- What kind of game (e.g., open world, adventure, strategy, etc.) is most conducive to tackling questions of spirituality?Open world vs. scripted story for considering spirituality?
- Have you ever unexpectedly encountered religion/spirituality in a game?
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Show notes:
- Run time: 53 min 55 sec
- "How do games handle the divine? Accidentally." by Yannick Lejacq, via Kill Screen
- "Video games are a good fit for theological exploration," by Brian Crecente, via The Verge
- "Capcom Videogame ‘Asura’s Wrath’ Draws Hindu Critics’ Wrath," by Sriram Vadlamani, via Tech Wire Asia
- "Study: Video games depict religion as violent and problematic (interview)," by Stefanie Fogel, via Venture Beat
- Music provided by Brad Sucks
Snap! Someone's clearly been paying attention in Assassin's School! ;-)
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, thanks for linking to that video. It actually reminds me about the extent to which the boundaries between zealous secularism and zealous religiosity are explored in those games.
As for the ME example: after we recorded this, I heard the Gamers With Jobs guys talking about this scene and saying it was one of the most powerful things they've ever seen in any media. Good stuff!
Heh, I only meant it as clarification, not call-out.
ReplyDeleteAh, interesting. I have that Conference Call bookmarked, as I still haven't made it to the end yet. So many side missions! I think I may have to just bite the bullet soon and finish it, since my "Preparedness Meter" has been maxed out for a while.
Yet another great show guys, keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteI think the three of you hit on an interesting point with the Assassin's creed series. It seems that the grand argument of that series is a rejection of the belief that in order to preserve the organization you are a part of you must be willing to betray it's tenants. Assassin's creed in particular has very little to say about the doctrines of religion and rather rails against the organizations that require their followers to adhere to a strict doctrine.
From the first game onward there seems to be a theme of large organizations breeding corruption in the face of the tenants they preach. The Motto "Nothing is true, everything is permitted" is in the broadest sense a rejection of the idea that any one person should tell another how to behave, regardless of what behavior they are attempting to reinforce.
Thanks Maleone!
ReplyDeleteI like the way you put it. The series does come off as a sort of anti-organization/libertarian piece of fiction. This is partly why I am not entirely comfortably with the next AC being set in colonial America. They will likely be far more blunt with the game's themes while also greatly simplifying American history.
At least I hope they don't leave religion behind as subject material.