Here we go again: Christian paper blasts “satanic” videogames

A Philadelphia newspaper has warned its readers that videogames are becoming more and more “satanic.” According to The Bulletin, there has been “a rise in the number of satanically-themed video games that target God and Christianity, invite players to make pacts with the devil, and elevate Satan to hero status.”

To prove its point (or not), the newspaper consults Lance Christian (a name, not an instruction), a “32-year-old Christian and avid gamer.” Because he’s already a gamer, his views CAN’T POSSIBLY be biased, y’see? We gamers can take Lance seriously, for sure. Here’s his totally balanced take on the matter:

“This has been going on for the last 10 years, but especially in the most recent games. I feel that the devil has a new tool to work with in this age of technology, and the majority of adults in a position of responsibility are left in the dark.”

After that, the paper attacks numerous recent titles for promoting Satan, including Shadow Hearts, Dragon Age: Origins, Dante’s Inferno (a pretty ironic target if you ask me), Devil Summoner, Bayonetta, Darksiders and Guitar Hero (yeah, seriously – I assume this is because Satan is an unlockable character in the game, but if I remember rightly, the player actually has to beat him).

If there’s one thing I hate more than the media getting frothed up on behalf of the silent millions (many of whom are secular, like myself), it’s the way religion has a right not to be offended.

Theists, I’ll never question your right to worship whichever invisible skyface you follow. In return, I’d quite like the right to see a joke or two made at religion’s expense from time to time.

[The Bulletin, via Eurogamer]