I was just kinda curious if there is anyone out there who would be interested in doing some sort of christian games... I am not talking about silly kids games or just making bible stories into games... I would like to make a game that deals with christian topics in an adult way that maybe teens or adults would enjoy playing. Anyway if there is any interest post or pm me :)
I belong to a Skeptic Association... Any Christian game I would make would be a parody! :D
How do you know it's actually composed by skepticists (spelling may vary), and not just an establishment to lock them away in a place where they can't do any harm? HUH? :=
About the game: It would depend on the viewpoint. I'm all for open, mature, philosophical adventure games, but if you're more aiming at "spreading God's word"... then no.
Me, me me! I want to make a christian game!
But yeah...you'd definitely have to give more details than that. What are you willing to contribute (background/sprite art, programming, etc), what do you need from others, etc... Otherwise this will just turn into a discussion about christian games in general, which might not be such a bad idea :=
No.
Like..
The Passion of the Christ - The Game! For Nintendo Wii.
There's certainly room in the database for non-parody religious games, so go for it.
I must admit that I'd be interested in helping with story and puzzle design.
Akatosh, I don' t really understand your point... Sorry :(
You'd have to know how to do it to pull off a proper adventure game and not end up having the fanatics praise it and the rest shun it as a spiteful attempt at converting. So if you're a fanatic christian, don't write the story.
QuoteSo if you're a fanatic christian, don't write the story.
I'm assuming this is pointed at me.
I promise you that I'm not a fanatic evangelist that is high-strung with desire to convert everybody in hearing/seeing/touching radius to Christianity.
I think it would be fricki' funny, but a little bit (well... Totally) heretic, to do:
"How Ieoshua Bar Yossef cheated everybody to became the Messiahnic figure of Jesus"
For example, with the "Miracle of the fishes and the wine", he could get everybody drunk, then go out of the party, and negotiate with some merchmantmen purchasing the wine and the fishes... Or how he walks through the waters walking through the shallow part of the lake. Something like that... Should be funny.
How about a game where a priest finds that an ex-parishoner has been murdered and left a load of money to his church. He then has to investigate the murder to free himself of suspicion and ends up in a punch up with the evil bishop who was behind it all. If that plot was good enough for Judaism, its good enough for Christianity ;)
Seriously though, I'd be interested in helping. And ignore the Christian-baiters like Nacho.
Andrew, to be honest, I was being serious. I've allways thought that many of the "miracles" done by Jesus are indistinguisable from "normal" acts, sold in a nice wrapper. Many of the passages by the bible are likely to be turned into situations for adventure game (Quest for Freedom: By Moses)
Of course, if there is no divine intervention, the better. Cheating is not funny.
I'm with SSH! ;D
I think Christian Games (or heck*, any genre/theme of games) can appeal to whatever person if done correctly. I'd play it.
~Trent
*No pun intended
Quote from: Nacho on Wed 19/11/2008 11:35:09
Andrew, to be honest, I was being serious.
Undoubtedly, but the guy is asking if anyone wants to help him make Christian games, not asking people to undermine his beliefs by suggesting that Jesus cheated. If you want to rail against Christianity, this isn't the thread to do it in, you're being offtopic. If someone wanted to make a fangame about the SNES, it would hardly be helpful to say "But that's stupid, the Sega Megadrive was much better".
It might be worth looking into a remake of some of the old Christian IF. I remember playing a Pilgrims Progress IF game back in the 80s, and another one called "Galilee".
I was just suggesting ideas... If he goes for the "Jesus the cheater" via, he will probably get lots of fans, and an innovative, polemic point of view. If he goes to a literalistic vision of the Bible, he will probably find that people laughs of him.
Quote from: Nacho on Wed 19/11/2008 12:11:32
If he goes for the "Jesus the cheater" via, he will probably get lots of fans, and an innovative, polemic point of view. If he goes to a literalistic vision of the Bible, he will probably find that people laughs of him.
I guess he isn't looking for any of that, since this is what he said:
Quote from: Dervish on Wed 19/11/2008 06:33:55
I am not talking about [...] making bible stories into games... I would like to make a game that deals with christian topics in an adult way that maybe teens or adults would enjoy playing.
But since I'm not interested, this is some sort of a SPAM post as well. But my only one I promise.
But Nacho, your idea is funny. "Religious parody" should be a MAGS topic one day.
Its going to be quite a balancing act writing for it. You've got a thin line between being interesting and being *too* controversial so you don't get slated by either angry atheists or angry Christians. Also I have a feeling (which may be disproved) that if the game gets well known then you're going to attract a lot of criticism, not necessarily from AGS users but from any wider audience. Anyway, I'm sure you know all that.
I'm all for a well made, high quality and serious game covering Christian attitudes, especially as I've yet to encounter one (though I've only played a handful). I would offer to help but unfortunately I've just got too much on at the moment to commit to anything. Good luck though.
Quote from: Nacho on Wed 19/11/2008 12:11:32
I was just suggesting ideas... If he goes for the "Jesus the cheater" via, he will probably get lots of fans, and an innovative, polemic point of view. If he goes to a literalistic vision of the Bible, he will probably find that people laughs of him.
And some will like it, too. Don't assume that your opinion is the world's.
Why not go into a mosque and make some suggestions for a similar game about Mohammed and see how they like it?
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to make my hilarious new game about how all the players and supporters of Barcelona FC are child molesters ;)
Very few will do. All nuts.
These guys would love it. (http://www.conservapedia.com/Main_Page)
... yeah, all nuts.
It'll be very hard to make a game like this that doesn't offend
somebody. Heck, remember Spore? A bunch of angry atheists complained about it because the evolution in the game is god-controlled. Alternatively, Left Behind: Eternal Forces got quite a beating from both atheist and Christian groups, and for good reason. Aside from the game itself being horrible, the game features sexism, bigotry, forced conversion, and large amounts of violence for a game that's supposedly Christian. It's also worth mentioning that in the online mode, one of the players assumes the role of the Antichrist(!) and tries to kill everybody.
That said, good luck with the game. As a Christian myself, I wish there were some good Christian games out there (although "The Bible Game" could cross into so-bad-its-good territory) that weren't horrible.
Quote from: Akatosh on Wed 19/11/2008 13:39:04
These guys would love it. (http://www.conservapedia.com/Main_Page)
... yeah, all nuts.
It's sad that this is the best conservatives can do. Some of the pages are so unintentionally funny that I started laughing out loud. Besides, the entire thing is superfluous. Wikipedia aims to be as neutral as possible, so if there's something with an obvious liberal slant, make it more neutral. Of course, since the aim of that site is to have a conservative slant, maybe neutral isn't good enough for them.
I think this is a really good idea; obscure bible references would make for some pretty challenging puzzles! And I'm sure there's a large pool of people out there who would want to play such a game. If you could help teach moral lessons that would be a great bonus. Ignore the skeptics: this is a good concept.
I disagree that there is no place for parody in Christian moral edification: Veggie Tales (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VeggieTales) proves that. But I can understand why you would want to make it a serious game. Personally I'm a pretty irreverent guy, however, so I don't think I can be of any assistance.
Wow, I actually find myself agreeing with much of what SSH has written here. MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!
Quote from: ProgZmax on Wed 19/11/2008 14:46:53
Wow, I actually find myself agreeing with much of what SSH has written here. MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!
Sorry to have undermined your world view in this way, Progz ;)
And probably disagreeing with Nacho. TEH AGS FORUM DUALITY!
Quote from: Dudeman Thingface on Wed 19/11/2008 11:06:23I'm assuming this is pointed at me.
That was actually a passive sentence. Of course I can't say it's everybody, but I've seen many religious fanatics who in the end don't really know anything about their religion. That's not my main concern here though, I've just noticed that the stronger someone's faith in something is the more aggressive they are to defend it, and if this happens to be the case on the writer it leaves very little room for any reasonable "opposing force" in the game.
Quote from: ProgZmax on Wed 19/11/2008 14:46:53MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!
Coincidence!
I don' t understand yout line about "Go and say that into a mosque".
I find the principles of every religion stupid. I never said that Islam is more sensible...
Actually, I was refering to Christianism, but I *think* I've been quite harder than Islam than with Christianism during my life (Not because I do really thing that Islam is actually worst, but because Islam is still important in Islamic countries and in the West, Christianism is, and it will be even more in the future, an obsolete superstition which almost nobody follows)
And about being a football club fan, I agree it can be childish. Maybe as childish as being religious, so, draw to 1-1.
The problem is that:
A) Religion is supported by the state with taxes, football teams are not.
B) "Footballcluberism" is not taught in schools, Religion is.
C) Being a football club fan does not involve believing in supernatural events opposites to reason.
So, I think the thing is 1-4, at the end...
I' d like to ask you, Andrew... Are you a "normal" religious or are you a "literalist"? It' s important to know in which direction must I go on the discussion... I deeply apology if I asked this to you before, but I can' t remember which kind of believer you are.
Can't a dude just ask a question on this forum anymore?
To Dervish: I recommend starting the game yourself, even if you don't feel you have certain abilities to do it justice, just start it and make some interest, show off your progress in the GiP forum and if people see that you're putting work into something and are serious, they might be more willing to help you out.
QuoteChristianism is, and it will be even more in the future, an obsolete superstition which almost nobody follows
I can almost imagine you in your computer chair, self-assured that what you've written here is a fact rather and an opinion.
I wouldn't say that having around 30% of the world population believing in Christianity marks it as a religion almost nobody follows, would you? And that's not including other religions, of course -- unless you want to argue with the Encyclopedia Britannica?
http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_religious_groups
And also, why exactly do you feel a need to stir up discussions like these where they're unwarranted, Nacho? I don't remember the thread poster saying 'Oh yeah, Christianity is the best thing ever and I'll show you all by making religious games'. I don't really see where your anti-religious sentiment was petitioned for or necessary.
I have tried to restrain myself from posting, and even considered starting a "religion" thread, but I realise that this would almost certainly end in a bitter and personal flame war.
so.
My opinion on the matter of religious games? Make as many as you want, I think there is room in this community for games of all types.
Quote from: Nacho on Wed 19/11/2008 15:16:52
I find the principles of every religion stupid. I never said that Islam is more sensible...
As an atheist myself, I can see what you are trying to say, but perhaps employ a little more tact next time. I do not see religion or religious people as "stupid" or even misguided. The need for belief faith and hope is one that we all share, it just depends whether you put this hope in a Deity or whatever else.
You are cross because football teams are not state funded but God is? An odd argument, but i'll go with it.
Religion, is a basis for a way of life and a general social behaviour. There are written rules as well as in many countries, religion is the basis for law.
In many countries, religion has become so entrenched into life, that to remove government funding, no matter what your beliefs, would be impractical and dangerous.
Football never has and never will be the basis for laws.
If football ended tomorrow, the world and the social infrastructure would remain untouched.
That can't be said for religion.
In my opinion, religion will always have it's place in society, and to nicely bookend this post, in the AGS community.
Please can some mod split Nacho's "Religious people are stupid" thread off from the origial topic?
Prog: A high percentage of that 30% are "social believers". They get married in the church because society asks for it, they baptize their kids there because society asks for it, they make a christian funeral because that' s what society expects you do to.
Almost all the people I know makes religious ceremonies in those cases (aprox 90%, but the level of religious ceremonies is decreasing in front of civilian ones any way).
NONE of that people I know REALLY believes in that. Maybe it sounds weird for you, apparently in America the level of believers is higher, but I never had a friend saying "I do believe in God". There was a guy I knew in high school, yeah, and I see Jehova' s witnesses here and there from time to time, but, under my experience, and I think it' s so broad that I can use it to extrapolate data, here in Europe the amount of believers is very few.
Anyway, we can go on discussing here the numbers of "true" believers there are till the trumpets of the armaggeddon sound, we won't reach to an agreement because there is no way to measure how deep the believe of people is... But you must agree with me that the level of believers is decreasing, no?
At least here. If in America is not, the only thing I can say is that I am sorry for America, since believers societies are worse.
Anyway, I don't want to focus the debate on figures. One person should be enough if that person is right. The problem? That person is not.
SSH:
QuotePlease can some mod split Nacho's "Religious people are stupid" thread off from the origial topic?
If they can find that sentence in any of my posts I am sure they will delete it, SSH.
The problem is that what I wrote was this:
"I find the principles of every religion stupid" Not "Religious people are stupid".
I keep it. Saying that one guy was bored and decided to make everything in 6 days is stupid. Saying that he made Adam from mud, and Eve from one of Adam' s ribs is stupid. Saying he got annoyed with his sons and decided to kill us with a deluge is stupid. Saying that engramas are a psychic wound made by one of the 13 billions of aliens (grown by the explossion of an hydrogen bomb inside of volcanoes) sent here by an evil gallactic warrior called Xheru is stupid (Scientology).
That' s why I asked if you are a literalist of not. If you are not, we can go on discussing about the suitability of creating an ethic code based in lies or partial lies.
If you are, sorry, man... your believs are supids. You can ask me to be polite, to hide my beliefs for the shake of civility of the forums, etc, etc... I might agree or not, but those beliefs would go on being stupid.
QuoteThere are written rules as well as in many countries, religion is the basis for law
Sorry... I didn' t got that line. Want the reply? The short or the extended? The short is "NO". Religion is not the basis for law. Roman right is, in Western contries at least. If there are counties where religion is basis for law, then, poor of them.
And this is on-topic how?
I notice that often its the gays in the closet who most vehemently protest against homosexuality. So perhaps Nacho is a closet christian...
QuoteIf you are, sorry, man... your believs are supids. You can ask me to be polite, to hide my beliefs for the shake of civility of the forums, etc, etc... I might agree or not, but those beliefs would go on being stupid.
You're right, my beliefs are immediately stupid because you say so. Thanks for clearing that up for me. Now that you're done being rude (hopefully?), perhaps this thread can get back on topic?
Dunno... maybe as same on topic when you called me coward for not critizising Islam, and childish for being a football club fan?
EDIT: Prog; If you are a bible literalist, yes. Probably the most stupids I' ve ever heard, sorry. Maybe I am the only one in this forums to WRITE it, but I am sure most of you will think that believing that filling a boat with a couple of animals of each kind is stupid.
I don' t know you, but I am perfectly able to keep respecting, admiring, and loving, if needed, a person with stupid beliefs. I do lots of stupids things myself. A person is not stupid for having some stupid beliefs. A person is stupid if all, or most, of their beliefs are stupid. I do not judge people. As I wouldn't say "this guy is silly" for thinking that 2+2=5, I don' t say that you are stupid for having stupid beliefs.
But if you ask me, 2+2 is not equal to 5, and believing that a man can walk over the waters is silly.
Quote from: SSH on Wed 19/11/2008 13:03:34
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to make my hilarious new game about how all the players and supporters of Barcelona FC are child molesters ;)
Isn't that mole-stars? Since they're moles?
Seriously, I remember the text adventure "Christminster" dealing with several christian and also some philosophical points. I daresay our betters (IF) can teach us a lesson or two- they had the benefit of being eventually seen as "serious" enough to transport such a theme. I daresay an indie game would not so much be a balancing act but a sure stumble.
Quote from: Nacho on Wed 19/11/2008 07:47:06
I belong to a Skeptic Association... Any Christian game I would make would be a parody! :D
I don't really like how you equal skepticism to mocking religion.
Parody=mocking? Not in the sense I was meaning...
EDIT: One question, Space Boy... Why Star Wars can be parodied, and Religion not?
Wow I just asked a simple question last night at like two and already have 2 pages of comments course only about six of those are on topic. In reality I had not idea how to proceed on a game or have a story I was just wondering what some feedback would be...I don't think this is really the place to discuss wether the gospels are accurate or not... My hope would be of course that a fun christian game could bring about a faith in people who might have not had before or at least asking questions about it but I am not out to convert everyone... I just thought those who might be interested might want to have some sort of discussion about a possiblity of a mature christian game....(also I didn't mean to imply that it be too serious... I enjoy veggietales and find thier humor a great asset to parents looking for children programming with a message. I just was looking for something that wouldn't be like those Nintendo Bible games like Noah's Ark and other tripe.
I know it was probably silly of me to have introduced this without much a foundation for the games I am talking about. I just wanted to kinda see who might want to have an honest discussion about what a fun christian game could be or would be.
Quote from: Nacho on Wed 19/11/2008 19:28:51
Parody=mocking? Not in the sense I was meaning...
EDIT: One question, Space Boy... Why Star Wars can be parodied, and Religion not?
Nacho, drop it. Please. Go start a new thread if there is something you want to get off your chest.
So many ways you could go about it:
You could do it Ben Hur style, with a contemporary character and reasonably accurate history mixed with fiction
You could do it symbolic style, like the Narnia stories
You could do it completely disconnected from the actual 'history' of the Bible, but about teaching a moral lesson, or learning a lesson.
Question is, what exactly are you trying to get across? The second way, or perhaps a subtle version of the 3rd way would be most widely 'accepted'. However, I see no reason you should shy away from making a full-on CHRISTIAN christian-game, especially if you do it right. People shouldn't be afraid of expressing their beliefs.
it's people like Nacho that give us atheists a bad name.
Well, you had what you want! :) This, is a slice of reality. If you do this game, you have different ways to do it.From "parody" to "Literalistic", a wide range! And it will create controversy, that's for sure.
No matter which degree you chose. Some people will see it boring and don't give it even a tiny opportunity. That happens with everything, no matter the topic you chose.
So, do it. As far as I know, doing a "believer" game, the worst that can bring to you is indeference.
Edit: Eeeeeek... Three replies till I was writing. This was refered to Dervish.
Quote from: Nacho on Wed 19/11/2008 19:28:51
Parody=mocking? Not in the sense I was meaning...
EDIT: One question, Space Boy... Why Star Wars can be parodied, and Religion not?
I didnt say it cant be parodied. I just meant you make it sound like being a skeptic means having to automatically parody religion. I'm not a big fan of religion myself, but this topic started really innocently, with no reason to turn it into a discussion about whether religion is stupid or whatever. The man was just asking for help with his game. If you wanna represent the skeptical side you need to learn how to talk with people without verbally punching them in the face. Even if you are right in a debate, that doesnt give you the right to insult the other side. It just makes you look like a cynical religion hater. Thats the image that true skepticism is trying to get rid of. Be skeptical, but dont be agresive.
And thats all I wanted to say about it. Over and out.
The tough thing with symbolism is that so much media has christ figures in it already that if you want a game to come across as specifically christian you'd have to do something very specific. I don't think Narnia instilled christian values in someone who didn't already have them the same way The Matrix didn't.
Also other media are full of lessons that you'd still have to do something that stands out from the pack of sitcoms with lessons and David The Gnome stories.
It's tough to get any idea across without specifically stating it because I feel people have become so used to lessons or morals or themes just being a part of storytelling that if there's a specific lesson or whatever people just gloss over it and accept it as part of the story but don't apply it towards anything, which is ultimately what the creator would want.
I'd happily play a game despite its Christian undertones, but I wouldn't play a game because of them.
Just Like I'd happily read Narnia, even though they reek of Christianity, because they tell a good story and they are not preaching to me (well, maybe subtely they are, but subtle is fine).
I don't want to play a game that's going to tell me I'm on my way to hell because I don't believe in God... But on the other hand, I don't mind the idea of a game that deals with moral issues as long as it doesn't tell me what to do.
I'd even play a game based on bible stories... in fact, I think that would be awesome. To be fair, I might be an atheist, but the bible is responsible for some mindblowing storytelling. You gotta hand it to Matt, Mark, Luke, John et al. for imagination.
Ah, I see. Okay, I want to contribute to the thread too. I am a classic "I dislike god for not existing" non-believer, I am jewish, German and also lesbian, and each week I make sure to kick a kitten. Ooo, and I use Stickam.
Go on, ruin it further!
QuoteI just was looking for something that wouldn't be like those Nintendo Bible games like Noah's Ark and other tripe.
Then might I suggest a somewhat serious, yet twisted theological view on the scriptures.
For example (this is used purely for example) the Antichrist. It is written that apparently when the Antichrist walks the earth, he will turn all to his side, but 3 years into his reign, he will kill all of those without his mark and have complete control over those with it.
How about twisting it up, making the Antichrist a business that opens a theoretical physics test facility, his somewhat deluded, yet workable, ideas manage to unit the interest of all countries. They do not bow to him, but all show great faith in what he has to offer.
Then it happens. He believes he has discovered a genetic pattern in the manipulation of the human genome, he thinks he may be able to create super soldiers. He was wrong. After injecting himself with the genetic fluid, he changes into something else. His body ages and his heart stops, yet he remains alive.
He goes on a journey to discover what's wrong with him, seeking help from a variety of characters with different religious views. As he does so, he blacks out numerous times, and when he wakes up, they are all gone. He searches for the sudden lost people while discover more people, others. The world deteriorates as he searches for answers and eventually finds scattered resistances against an "unholy threat", they take him in, but then realise he is the cause of all of this. His confusion leads them to show compassion and they show him what he's done. Zombies, everywhere. Those who haven't been bitten die out, and those who do, are under some sort of demonic control. A resistance leader puts a gun to the Antichrist's head and the last words the Antichrist hears are from God's mouth. God tells him (something along the lines of) "Thank you, you have done your part, like Judas for my son.". The Antichrist looks up and the last thing he sees is a brilliant light, in the middle of which, the gates to heaven open.
Whew, all of that off the top of my head. Purely hypothetical that is.
Why don't we make an Oregon Trail clone of the Jewish Exodus? :D
~Trent
I guess the key would be to make something fun. I mean no matter if it is relegious or not people aren't going to play a game if it is boring. I have an idea for a story but some of the ideas in it might not be embraced by a person who is relegious and at the same time be mocked becuase of the relegious content. But I am not just looking for one game I am looking for a whole bunch of ideas and possiblities for different games. As far as what I can contribute... I am can pretty much do anything but I am by no means an expert on anything.
Perhaps I shouldn't have jumped the gun, sorry, I got excited.
So, Dervish, what ideas are you actually looking for?, what direction are you intending on going with them? (I mean apart from a fun adventure game - I mean from a story perspective) and what ideas do you have already?
EDIT - sorry if I'm repeating anything anyone else has asked, but I want to get this thread back on-topic.
I believe Babar already asked what Dudeface Thingman is asking.
~Trent
haha Actually the Jewish Exodus thing sounds like it would be fun. Well right now I have an idea for kinda a scifi symbolism christian game. If you would want me to post what I have so far I guess I can....
....
In 1971, the world ended. The cold war grew hot, and it was the shortest active war in history. No one is sure who launched first or whether it was an accident or not. Not that it even matters nowadays, however, after the first ICBM was launched the concept of mutual destruction was put into practice, and within mere hours nothing was left to fight over. For the humans that were left it was no longer about thriving only about surviving. Small groups scratched out their tiny niches in the new world, and built ramshackle communities that were held together only by people’s need to live until the next day.
Some sixty years have passed since the beginning of what some people have termed man’s final age. In the town, which was once Las Cruces, New Mexico, a small monastery has been created from the remains of a junkyard. The stacked skeletal remains of cars create the high walls, which provide the much needed protection from the elements and marauders. Although religion now seems futile to many, this collection of monks have maintained their faith by knowing that it wasn’t God who created this mess only the greed and stupidity of man.
Brother Ford woke up and peered out the crack in the wall he scarcely called a window. He saw that the dark of night still engulfed the landscape. Why had I awoken, he thought. Then the slight tapping on his cell door made him realize someone was interrupting his sleep.
...
That is not all of it just kinda the intro... basically the idea would be that the seven days of creation were not seven literal days and that each day respresented possibly millions of years. and that the 7th day was when god was literally inactive in the world and let men freewill run amuck (so the seventh day would be what happened during the events of revelations)... basically it would be about what happened on the "Eighth Day" (Basically Brother Ford would find some way to redeem all of mankind)... so like I said not truly dealing with the bible but dealing with a christian main character in a inhospitable world.... And please do not post how this is completely inaccurate the point is the main character's faith.
But like I have said I want to kinda create a group of people who could come up with something far greater then my own ideas.
... I like it, you've got a lot of free reign for a diverse range of characters, you have a very defined environment and I like the idea of the point being not about scriptures or commentaries, but about faith. Plain and simple.
It sounds really good, I'd love to be a part of it.
I'm an atheist and that intro made me want more. I think you're aiming at the right thing when you say that the game has to be fun no matter what the material you're working with is about. Christianity has a really deep history, with a lot of different things to draw inspiration from. I've never shunned a movie, band or even game simply because it was christian.
The most important thing to remember is to make the game you want to make. If it's good, it'll be played. If it isn't, well, that's a good way to learn :)
Post-apocalyptic is always cool ;D
And yes, even though it conflicts a bit with my personal beliefs (Mormon) I'd totally play that based on the intro.
~Trent
Well, I am a baptist and have fairly conservative beliefs in my faith...that being said I don't think that way about creation I just thought it would be a neat idea for a story but like I have said I don't nessecarily want to make this particular game... I just want to get people together who would want to create games for christians weither it be kids games or adult games whatever... I just feel a calling to start producing games that christians and nonchristians can play and provide a balance to what is currently out there.
Hey - I'm all for that. I won't participate in the creation of such games as my personal beliefs don't quite agree with christian beliefs, but I'd be more than willing to beta test and proofread and whatnot.
Well, I think it would be cool to make a spiritual game of some kind, a christian one or whatever.
I think I'm an agnostic more than anything else, kinda in the way like Ghost said, "I dislike god for not existing". ;)
Religion is something I don't care at all about, but I kinda find the idea intriguing of believing in and serving a higher spirit, yeah, but since I can't believe in it it doesn't work.
Anyway, I thought The Apostle (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118632/) was a awful to awesome (depending on the scene) spiritual movie. The first half hour was terribly preachy and a conversion scene later on is just laughable. But it portrays the life of a pastor who helped to bring people together and build a peaceful community that's there for each other. It's not that good/evil though since earlier on he murdered some guy his wife had an affair with.
To return to topic: I think if you make your game interesting, humane and somehow manage to portray the nature of religious beliefs and faith without wanting to convert your audience then you might be on the right track in my opinion.
If you want to bring people together to work on a christian game than you need a clear vision, though. It's an intriguing outline, but it may need more, just saying. :)
Really I started this thread becuase I wanted a way to get some believers in christianity who saw some potential in making christian games to come together and hopefully be able to produce something far better then I could come up with on my own. I admit I did not come to the thread with a real since of any particular game but instead was hoping the others would be willing to start the true planning of a project together. Anyway I would still be intersted to see if any more are out there.
Well, I have to say your setting DOES sound quite intruiging, but most people on these forums seem to be either atheists or agnostics (including myself), so you might have a hard
time finding "real" believers to help you. We'll be more than happy to assist you in improving your own work if you post over at the Critic's Lounge, though. ;)
I stayed out of the debate that fired up in this thread (and haven't read the entire thread thoroughly so forgive if I'm repeating anything) but I just wanted to let you know that I actually considered making an adventure game after I read the Left Behind series of books (slightly modified).
I think it could be pretty cool (and I'm not a religious person in the slightest) but I found the concept intriguing enough.
I wouldn't care to play a game that proselytizes (sp?) to me ... but more one that is just based on an idea like that. Though the problem that I had with the Left Behind series was that even the bad guys never said more harsh language than "damn" and "shoot" which just totally blows its "real-world-this-is-actually-happening" thing for me. The authors being religious types they didn't use the harsh (realistic) language as they should have (in my opinion). I would make it very R rated. I mean ... if you read some of the stuff from the bible it's not exactly PG rated ... there's some downright nasty shit in there. And the rapture and tribulation aren't exactly kid material either. Granted I put absolutely no faith/stock in Revelations and/or the Christian idea of Armageddon (the whole book as penned by John of Patmos was an indictment of the Roman empire and their persecution of early christians but that's a whole other debate :))
Now if you're planning on making a game for kids to play in sunday school (or something) I think you'd still find an audience for it (though not likely me or the rest of the godless heathens here-abouts :)) Though truthfully ... it seems to be the case that if you make a good Adventure Game people will play it.
Dervish, that sounded great. I'd definately want to play that game, like already stated, just because of the intro.
My family and wife's family are Catholic.
I on the other hand am not (but I'm not going to get into what I think about any religion because it's my opinion and really doesn't matter). Despite what I believe in, I've always loved to hear religious stories. I'm always interested and intrigued by people's different views.
The story you began to tell was very interesting and I hope you do something along those lines, it'll be one to look forward to.
Throw in a few zombies with your post-apocolypse theme and you've got a hit!
8)
I came across this list quite accidentally and thought of this thread.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_video_games_by_release
Funnily enough, Darth, it seems there is already a Left Behind game. It sounds God-awful though ('scuse the pun).
Dervish. I've just (finally) started playing The Shivah (http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk/games.php?action=search&sterm=the+shivah&submit=Search!). This game is Jewish, no doubt about it; the protagonist is a Rabbi and there are synagogues, Torahs and even a Yiddish ditionary. But that's all really just the setting for what is basically a murder mystery - and a pretty good one at that. It never alienates the non-Jew
I hope you follow Dave Gilbert's example, albeit with your own preferred brand of religion, and make a game that anyone can play, whatever their belief. It can be dripping with Christianity for all I care, as long as I can still appreciate the story and the puzzles from a non-Christian perspective.
I like your post-apocalyptic setting and I'd be happy to play a game about another man's faith, as long as it doesn't judge my [lack of] faith.
What I liked about The Shivah is that it gave an insight in Jewish customs and the main character, while a Rabbi, had his own (slightly skewed) issues with his personal religion, but it never tried to convert. The Judaism was just in the game, it was part of the setting - and with that, I didn't give it another thought and played what I consider to be a good game.
That's one route of going with religion in games, but there are others, and some are more open than others (less likely to alienate non-believers) and some are more closed in that sense (more aimed toward religious people but too religious for non-believers).
Quote from: Stupot on Sun 23/11/2008 10:04:45Funnily enough, Darth, it seems there is already a Left Behind game. It sounds God-awful though ('scuse the pun).
Yeah I have seen it. It
is GOD awful terrible :)
That's the problem that I have with religious [type] games is they tend to be "tame" or "mild". Not all I'm sure but the most I've seen.
The movie they made for Left Behind was just horrible! I never had a lot of respect for Kirk Cameron anyway but holy hell it was horrible! I don't know if they made more than one 'cause after I [attempted] to watch the first one I promptly lost any desire to see more.
Quote from: Anteater on Wed 19/11/2008 13:42:35
Heck, remember Spore? A bunch of angry atheists complained about it because the evolution in the game is god-controlled.
That said, good luck with the game. As a Christian myself, I wish there were some good Christian games out there (although "The Bible Game" could cross into so-bad-its-good territory) that weren't horrible.
That seems a little crazy for people to hate spore for that reason... I also think a game of this type is a GREAT idea! As also a Christian myself, I think it's a good thing, and there could be lots of stories from the bible that could be made into a game. But I wouldn't want it to be too obvious that it's a Christian game, then it would have more players, and it could be a better game... Like Triumph is a Christian Rock band, but they aren't a Christian Label, (same with U2) Anyways, good luck!! ;D
tombom
Quote from: Stupot on Sun 23/11/2008 10:04:45I came across this list quite accidentally and thought of this thread. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_video_games_by_release
Oh my Flying Spaghetti Monster! How can that list be missing The Zoo Race game (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVfV2OzEHwg)?
From the website:
QuoteAfter laughing and teasing her friend Rueben about believing in the Noah's Ark story, then Hannah the librarian has a dream about it. In her dream, her friends are re-shaped into animals and she herself changes into a racehorse and participates in the race "Games of Celebration" after the world flood. But, unknown to everyone, Noah's sons have created a lot of obstacles on the racetrack for the creatures. These obstacles on the racetrack slow down the participants and include hurdles, glass mazes, Piranha fish, fire geysers, exploding barrels, rockets, cannons, bomber planes and more! "Let's give them a real race, ha-ha!" said Japeth. "Yes and let's have some fun!" said Shem and Ham, so beware, because this race is so very different.
Shareware demo at: http://www.zoorace.com/index.php
I think the list on wikipedia further proves my point that a good christian game needs to be made. ;D
Exactly ;D
Quote from: GarageGothic on Tue 25/11/2008 00:10:25
Oh my Flying Spaghetti Monster!
lol, that made me laugh a little...
When you put the label "Christian" on something - be it a game, a band, a movie, a book - you are labeling it with something. Very often, this label bears the misconception of second-rate material. Sometimes it's true - there are many Christian bands that are cheap clones of secular bands. However, there are many truly amazing Christian bands that are unfortunately overlooked because of prejudice.
I don't like it when people refuse to listen to a band simply because it's Christian. If you really are as open minded as you believe you are, what's the problem??? Likewise, why refuse to play a Christian game just because it's Christian, if it's still fun?
If I, a Christian, could read and enjoy books as blatantly anti-Christian as Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy, why can't an Atheist enjoy a Christian work of art?
Unless, of course, we are talking about this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkNvQYiM6bw)
Yeah, I totally agree, well said Paper Carnival ;)
Hi Dervish, I haven't been following the thread, just looked in a couple of times but I have a couple of comments you find helpful.
1. I always enjoy movies about angels,devil,etc and people getting a second chance at life. The 1953 movie "Beat the Devil" (http://www.archive.org/details/beat_the_devil) is an example I have recently viewed and enjoyed. There are many many other examples of course. I always get a bit of a lift and don't feel like I have been preached to. So perhaps something of this nature would work as a game.
2. There is also a new (new to me anyway) Web TV Series "Stranger Things" (http://strangerthings.tv/episodes) that I enjoyed. It's sort of a "Twilight Zone" type series but with some Christian/spirtual/religious content or context. It ought to be enjoyable to anyone who likes science fiction.
3. I agree with the label thing mentioned above. If you are speaking in public and want to make a joke, you don't first announce to the audience that you intend to tell a joke and that it is really funny; you just tell it and if it's funny they laugh. So instead of making a "Christian Game" make an adventure game where Christianity is involved in the plot. For example the main character could be a priest or something and he is trying to solve a crime or murder. As the game unfolds the character is developed and revealed to the player. There would be a wealth of topic to explore such as what he did before becoming a priest, if he had ever doubted his faith, under what conditions would he be willing to use violence, etc, etc. It would be a device that would allow you to explore a lot of topics without seeming to preach.
Anyway good luck and keep us upto date on your future project.
Now that's a good idea if I've EVER heard one! I know what I said earlier about the Rock Bands U2, and Triumph is that they are good examples, bands with Christian themes in their lyrics, but not presented a "Cristian" label music. I think that's a great idea for a game. And wish you luck ;D ;D
Quote from: RickJ on Wed 26/11/2008 03:18:16
[...]
3. ...instead of making a "Christian Game" make an adventure game where Christianity is involved in the plot. For example the main character could be a priest or something and he is trying to solve a crime or murder.
It really depends what the criteria are. If a game involving Christian churches and Christian priests counts as a Christian game, then The Cardinal Sins is certainly a Christian game. If you are just going for good triumphing over evil, then almost any game could be considered as a Christian game, and (spoiler warning re The Cardinal Sins)
Spoiler
by that yardstick, The Cardinal Sins is not a Christian game.
Indeed, paolo. I don't think anyone would try and claim the Da Vinci Code as a Christian game...
I didn't say that it would automatically become a Christian game. I said that it could be used as a literary device that would allow someone to explore Christian issues, values, etc without coming across as bible school. In any adventure game the player is immersed in the main character's world and gets to see things through that character's eyes. If the main character is a pirate then the player see things from a pirate's point of view and interacts with the game world the way a pirate would. Presumably the same would be true for any profession including a religious vocation of some sort.
It would of course be up to the game designer to decide how much of a Christian game to make of it.
I think another interesting aspect of doing a project like this is the possibility of addressing hot button issues that are difficult to be discussed because of the intense emotions attached to such issues. Classical philosophers used a similar technique where they would use a dialogue between two characters to argue both sides of an issue. The reader is a neutral bystander and does not feel pressured, by the author, to adopt one side of the argument or the other. This is what got Galileo in trouble; apparently the pope was one of the characters in his dialogue about the center of the solar system and was made to look like a fool.