Game On

I haven’t played video games in forever. The last time I remember was either Bubble Bauble or Mario Kart when my son was a kid. But for my birthday last week I bought myself a Nintendo Switch. I know, what’s gotten into me? Was I bored? Looking for more ways to procrastinate when I’m supposed to be writing? Well, I was browsing YouTube (bored, procrastinating) and came across a video called God and Gaming.

Of course, I knew that video gaming has become the leading entertainment industry in the world for younger generations. I didn’t realize that older men and women (even priests!) also love video games—not because they’re superficial, or they have nothing better to do, or there’s nothing on TV (which is why I don’t have TV)—but because in some games, there is goodness that they’re recognizing which is tapping into the deeper recesses of their souls and giving them a sense of living life to the fullest.

For men, gaming rehabilitates masculinity that’s been under attack as toxic. They get to protect people in distress in the virtual world, like in “Call of Duty”, experience community, brotherhood, and mission.

What I didn’t realize was that games often have depth, identify moral truths, and engage in philosophical conversations. They actually have profound story plots that address big life questions. Just like a good book or a good movie can change a life, apparently, so can a good video game.

Just like in film and in novels, in video games there can be beauty and truth that can point us to the Transcendent. There are epic story plots, battles between good and evil, amazing soundtrack that engross the senses, and beauty that can “pierce the heart”.

So, Okay, I’m in. I’ve got my game unit. It sat in the box for a month. But finally I got the courage to open it and get it set up.

I am about to explore a new world. I’m scared. I’m excited. Wish me luck. I’ll let you know how it goes.