In video games across generations you can find references to religion. When thinking about how religion plays a major theme in video games we can find three examples: 1) Religion is a necessity. 2) Religion can be a spectacle. 3) Religion is personal. I’ll be taking a look three video games: Final Fantasy XV, Dragon Age: Inquisition, and Life is Strange.

In each of these games there’s a lingering overall question: Does God exist? Whether or not it is explicitly stated is not really the point. What is present however is a framework to make you, the player, ask yourself that question. 

Let’s take a look at Final Fantasy XV. Throughout the game you are searching (or rather being led or manipulated by Ardyn) for ways to obtain the blessings from the different celestial beings or “gods”  called
Astrals like Shiva, Bahamuth, and Titan. Each god represents a different element (fire, ice/snow, lightning). Lunefraya’s whole existence is revolved around these gods praying, worshiping, and speaking to the gods on behalf of mankind. Noctis is trying to receive the blessings from the Astrals so they will eventually aid him in his final battle.

The game shows how closely tied religion is to survival. If Noctis didn’t receive the blessings there would not have been a way for him to venture on his journey to ultimately face Ardyn in the final battle. The theme: religion is a necessity.

Next up is Dragon Age: Inquisition. Here we have your classic medieval clash between church and state. Mages are revolting against the Templars and the church, the Chantry, has just lost their priest Divine Justinia has just been killed. What I see most in the game regarding religion is how religion in general is more spectated than participated. Throughout this decision-making game, you as the Inquisitor are constantly making decisions that determine your power as a leader. Your rise in power can have an effect on how the Chantry views your influence. 

The Inquisitor even has a choice in deciding who will be their next Divine. Religion is not so much of a question of faith, but more so deciding whether or not to have the Chantry’s support. Will you align yourself with them or will you be considered a heretic? Inquisition also calls back to a time when religion was less about faith and more about manipulation in The Game. 

Lastly, our third example of religion is from Life is Strange. I’ve talked about this game and how Max has similarities to Saitama in One Punch Man, but today I want focus on another character of the game: Kate.

Kate represents the stereotypical Christian girl, who is bullied for her beliefs and choices. I wanted to include this game, because this is the best example of the modern world we live in. Kate is a classmate of Max’s also studying art. Throughout the game you can interact with her and try to establish a friendship with her. Religion is personal for Kate and you see this as Max continues to befriend her. I believe this is the closest representation to what we have in our reality. Kate looks at her life and situation through her own lens, which happens to have a religious tint. Because of this though, Kate has moments where she questions her own belief system.

What we’re shown in this example is growth not only for Kate, but for Max too.  The theme here is that religion is personal. Through her spending time with Kate, Max contemplates if there is any kind of higher power, something I know and have seen many people process in their own lives. 

How else can we see religion in video games? What themes have you seen? Leave a comment below or on the Instagram page.

Till next time, peace out!