As one born in the 1980’s I am proud member of the video game generation. I have never known a world without video games. And while some struggle to see the value they add to society, I have always been quick to come to their defense. Video games provide great escape, they engage the mind, they can be great learning devices, and not to mention the fact that they’re just plain fun. Did I mention that they are fun?
Today marks the release of the newest installment of one of the most popular game franchises of all time: Grand Theft Auto. When the first edition arrived on the scene it was a completely harmless, almost laughable game where one ran around stole cars and tried to outrun the police. Okay, so that sounds bad, but trust me - this thing was so disconnected from reality that it could hardly inspire anyone to do anything other than smile.
But this game has advanced. Over the last few years it has evolved into a highly realistic, first-person game where one can do everything from steal a car to murder a prostitute, run from a drug deal gone bad, or engage in a shootout with federal authorities. Yeah, really nice. Needless to say the thing is surrounded by contraversy.
To be completely honest, part of me wants to find something redeemable and good about this thing. I believe that a key part of being a Christian is not escaping from the world but - as a result of being filled with God’s Spirit and guided by His Word - being the best equipped in the world to grab ahold of what the world creates and find God-pleasing uses for it. I truly believe that Christians are the best equipped to be wise connoisseurs of culture, not just critics of it.
For example, this is why a Christian can still be a fan of great movies - even those dreaded “R” rated ones. I mean, who better to appreciate not just the artistry involved (after all, we believe that our ability to create is a God-given trait) but to pull truth from fiction, honesty out of agendas, and see within it all something of who we are and what God is doing?
But with all that said, I am at a loss on this game. I can’t find a redeemable thing; which really bothers me. It makes me feel like some crazy Christian who believes that all innovation is evil. Pretty soon I’ll be making my own clothes, churning butter, and naming one of my sons “Hezekiah.”
And yet, what good can come from some 32 year old dad, staring at a screen trying to complete a level by shooting enough FBI agents as he can in order to protect the hooker who has vital information about the drug ring he wants to overtake? Hey, maybe playing this game will help have a better understanding of man’s depravity and the need for a savior?
No. I can’t see it.
April 29th, 2008 at 11:17 am
“Pretty soon I’ll be making my own clothes, churning butter, and naming one of my sons “Hezekiah.”
The wait was worth that line, glad you’re back.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I’ll trade you some freshly laid eggs for some of that butter…
Seriously though, it seems like this kind of smut is finding its way into more and more games these days. I grew up in the 80s too and spent countless hours playing many, many video games. Now, violence is not new to video games but I would argue that the type of violence is. It’s not just about shooting aliens or “bad guys” anymore. Games these days attempt to immerse the player into deeper plots and gameplay that create a sort of virtual reality. I’m not sure this type of thing is good for anyone and definitely not kids. The Grand Theft Auto series is a good example of this and I don’t think any amount of gameplay goodness can justify letting oneself be immersed into a virtual world where sex, drugs, and violence reign supreme. I’m just glad there are still good games out there without this stuff although the selection is getting more and more limited. I guess that’s one reason I like the Wii so much.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:08 am
I like games that are wide open. The game-play in the GTA series is referred to as “Sandbox”. The style of play is quite fun, but the violence has been taken to another level.
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:26 am
I’m a firm believer that there is something redeemable about all things. But eventually you reach a point where you say, “Nope. There’s nothing slavageable here. There is no way to glorify God in doing this.”
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
GTA as a whole has definitely gotten out of hand. I believe that it is not responsible for causing any violence, but is simply a painful reminder that this world is just as violent and corrupt as the game itself. I agree that there really is nothing you can take away from the game that would be of any use, i.e. artistic style, groundbreaking game-play, etc.
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I am a game geek. I’ve played all types of games. I’ve played all the GTA games. All but this one. And just like Matt being a kid born in the eighties when gaming took off, I love video games. I’m done. I have a 13 year old, who is very conscious of the crazy world she lives in(even in Hereford, TX), a four year old boy, and an 8 month old girl. There is no reason for me to play this game. There is no good reason for me to have this in my house. I’m not saying it would make me an evil dude if I want to play this game, but I know myself and I know that I’m trying to be a better person for God. He doesn’t want me to play this. I have enough struggles without having to emerse myself into a world of drugs, murder, and sexual immorality. So yes, God gave us great gifts to use and create amazing things. He also gave us free will and a cool book full of laws, encouragement, and love to try our best to live our life by. I’ve learned the hard way over and over again, that the “cool” thing isn’t always the cool thing.