At that point in American cultural history when kids turned from swing sets to computers and from camping to video-game marathons, the Christian media didn’t lag far behind in offering their own video games. But keeping up with the technological wizardry employed by mainstream video-game producers has been difficult. Today Christian game designers continue their battle to create wholesome games that counter the secular gaming market.
Until recently, Christian video games were limited in graphics, style, and content. Games such as “Eternal War: Shadows of Light”—a journey helping a teenager battle thoughts of suicide—and the “VeggieTales” computer games lack the engaging graphics and intriguing challenges that gamers have become accustomed to in the mainstream market. Competing for a place in secular game quality, however, are “The Bible Game” by Crave Entertainment and the “Left Behind: Eternal Forces” game.
Intended for Xbox, PlayStation 2, and Game Boy Advance, “The Bible Game” is a nondenominational quiz game based on the Old Testament. Playing the single- or multiplayer quiz show, contestants answer questions about Old Testament stories and characters. Additional minigames challenge players to defeat Goliath or climb Jacob’s ladder.
“Left Behind: Eternal Forces” caters more to the action-oriented audience. Revolving around the world-renowned apocalyptic book series by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, this game features a Christian’s struggle to ensure his or her place in the rapture without succumbing to the evil forces present during the millennial reign of Christ. Although containing some violence, “Left Behind” does not feature the sex, drugs, or calculated destruction that often seep into many of the high-action games kids play today.
Many Christian outlets believe that these two games will open the door for Christians in the entertainment media. With high hopes that believers and nonbelievers alike will come to appreciate Christian gaming, producers continue to raise quality standards while maintaining the quest for clean, moral-based, fun entertainment.
About the Author
Cara Daining will be entering her senior year this fall at Calvin College, where she is studying journalism.
