Christian games make push for the mainstream

Denise Ono MSNBC.com producer • Profile • E-mail

In a post-apocalyptic New York, two sides wage battles for dominance throughout the city as they try to learn why a large portion of the population suddenly disappeared. The latest "Command and Conquer" game? No, this is "Left Behind: Eternal Forces."

Based on the best-selling series of novels about a Christian "Last Days" scenario, the upcoming real-time strategy game includes military battles between the Tribulation Forces and the Global Community Peacekeepers as well as uncovering the meaning behind the mysterious disappearances worldwide of the faithful during the Rapture.

Christian-themed games aren't new, of course. But as the video game industry gathers this week for its annual Electronic Entertainment Expo, developers of Christian video games are aiming at wider audiences, hoping to copy the mainstream success of movies such as the "The Chronicles of Narnia" and books like the "Left Behind" series.

Christian game makers also see themselves as offering a much-needed alternative in an industry often criticized for games that feature graphic violent and sexual content.

"I think there’s a void of games that are good, in terms of morality," said Left Behind Games CEO Troy Lyndon.

In the most sensational case last year, sexually explicit content that could be unlocked by a downloadable hack was found in the blockbuster game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas." The incident was condemned by watchdog groups and politicians, including Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, who called for new penalties for retailers who sold such adult-oriented games to children. In the wake of the outcry, the video game industry's ratings board reclassified "San Andreas" from M for Mature to AO for Adults Only, but the action did little to quell critics.

Just last week, the Entertainment Software Rating Board dealt with a similar situation involving "Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion," changing the game's rating from a T for Teen to the M rating.

Not 'Sunday-school-in-a-box'
Christian game makers say they aren't trying to convert anyone — just offer better choices.

"American media culture is focused on violence, death and sex," said Rick Tewell, co-founder and CEO of Virtue Games. "The most popular shows on television, like 'CSI,' are all based on death and violent behavior," he said. "We feel the need to produce products that counter the major media companies' message."

Virtue Games produces "Isles of Derek," an adventure game about a community that is trying to break free of a tyrannical society that forces them to worship "false gods," and the upcoming "Mayabin," in which players are presented different world views and spiritual philosophies. "Our games aren't out there to evangelize, but to present a Christian world," Tewell said.

Bill Bean, co-founder of Digital Praise, expressed a similar sentiment. "Our titles aren’t Sunday-school-in-a-box, but they are consistent (with the teachings of the Bible)."

His company’s titles include games based on Focus on the Family’s "Adventures in Odyssey" radio series and the "Hermie and Friends" videos. Bean said his company’s target audience is mainstream America, and not necessarily just the religious market.

"We have people sending us e-mail that say, ‘This is a really great game. We don’t go to church, but we enjoy it anyway.’ We’re trying to make games with positive messages," Bean said.

Bean said his company is planning to produce more games for older audiences as well, such as a dancing game, "Dance Praise," that is similar to the popular "Dance Dance Revolution" series.

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