Why Most Video Games Revolve Around This Theme
By Movieguide® Contributor
Most video games revolve around good versus evil, a theme that makes game worlds easy to engage with without upsetting anyone.
Whether it be fighting demons or slaying dragons, most video games follow a protagonist fighting a very clear evil. Many people use video games for leisure and as a way to unwind, and gamers can easily get behind the plot when the morality is so clear cut. This approach also makes it very easy for developers to write a story that offends few people.
Other games make it very clear that you are the evil in the world, but these games still cause few morality problems for players, as they allow them to live out evil fantasies with no real-life implications. In a game like Grand Theft Auto, for example, players rise through the ranks of a drug cartel, eventually enjoying millions of dollars, fancy cars and beautiful women. While the actions you partake in would be sickening in real life, many players have no problem engaging in them in the game and also have no question that they are the bad guy.
Christians, however, should beware these types of games. The Bible is clear that humanity only desires the things of the flesh —which are contrary to God’s desire: “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” These games allow players to fulfill the fantasies of the flesh, greatly impacting their spirit, even if the actions are within a video game.
READ MORE: CAN VIDEO GAMES TEACH PLAYERS ABOUT REAL-WORLD ECONOMICS?
The popularity of good vs evil is not only constrained to video games. For a decade, Marvel was at the top of the entertainment industry, with every movie revolving around good versus evil. It is clear that this is a genre that breeds popularity because of its universal appeal. Now that the industry has turned away from superheroes to video game adaptations, the pursuit of good versus evil content has continued.
The idea of good versus evil is a story as old as time. Because humans were created in God’s image and made to be in His presence, we crave good, but constantly feel the draw of evil thanks to our sinful nature. This makes the genre universal and easy to understand with little to no explanation, making it the perfect theme to interact with while turning off your brain.
READ MORE: ARE VIDEO GAME ADAPTATIONS HOLLYWOOD’S NEXT BIG TREND?
- Content: +3Share:
- Content: +4