Religion and Games

Gamer Dad has a great article up about representations of religion in games. The article is an extended version of a 2002 Computer Games Magazine article, but it's worth a read, featuring thoughts from Richard Garriott, Sid Meier, Will Wright, Peter Molyneaux, Phil Steinmeyer, and Jane Jensen.

 

Here's a sneak peak:

 

Theologian Paul Tillich once noted that, "Religion is the substance of culture", which is not a controversial statement when you consider the impact religion and spirituality has had upon the faithful in all cultures. They even reverberate through the secular world, reflected in art, music, architecture, entertainment, even computer games, often with great benefits.

"Games that treat religion realistically, weaving it into the game as it is woven into people's lives, can provide a richer and more realistic simulation," says Destination Games founder and Ultima creator Richard Garriott. "Spirituality lends the game world credibility and completeness. The search for meaning in life is universal, and a shallower life of conflict and treasure collecting will never match the strength of a game that includes ethical or spiritual underpinnings."

While religion and spirituality add a lot to a game world, they often aren't used effectively. "I don't think there are any games that treat religion at anything more than a superficial level," says Firaxis founder, and Civilization creator Sid Meier. While PopTop Software's Phil Steinmeyer agrees, noting that "Religion is ignored in gaming, or if it is portrayed, it's wildly caricatured."

If religion and spiritual concepts can potentially add so much to a game world, why are they only used superficially? Why are they caricatured? And what will the future bring?

 

Full article:

Game with God
Game with God part II