What is your opinion on video games?

[Urielllla]

I personally, can't play any video games anymore. I personally cannot control them. Not trying to discourage anything, but I feel like even if the games are clean, they are addictive. I now prefer activities that include creativity and productivity, such as drawing and making music.

Now, I do still like characters from video games, but I won't play the games with them anymore. Maybe I should write about Mario and Luigi becoming Christians...

Now, joking aside, this verse comes to my mind.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

I am not sure how ya can do that with video games. Not trying to be a pharisee towards this community's gamers, but I personally believe it has harmed my life greatly and I regret having spent hundreds of dollars on it...

True. There are some certain things that might not be bad in and of itself, but they don't have much benefit, and might be destructive to you.

This is different from when the Bible says bodily exercise profits little; exercises do not have eternal value, but they're not destructive either.

Video games might be addictive to most people, and if you find out it is to you, then stay away from it despite what others think. For instance, reading novels might not be bad in and of itself, and definitely not to everyone, but I love reading them so much so you can say I'm addicted, so I try as much as I can to stay away from them.

 

[adamjordan53]

I personally hate video games. I never play as an adult unless to play with my kid. I find them stressful and boring at the same time. but as a kid I played only every once in a while mario, sonic, donkeykong.

My son is obsessed with video games as most kids are today. This kid came up to us and started talking about roblox. No joke I was thinking is this my kid? He sounded just like him... so strange. He's good friends with my son now, go figure. So yea it can bring people together.

We have a 1-2 hour a week rule and are pretty strict with it only bc our son gets obsessed and it's unhealthy for emotional growth. It's always 1 of my 1st consequences to go as well. He would play video games over everything even eating or going outside. He's very good and even beats entire games at 6 which is crazy as I never did that even much older.

People, even kids make a living on YouTube playing games believe it or not. I mean a ton of money. Even in education we will use video game themes for brain breaks or teaching even... building habitats in minecraft with a polar bear and Antarctica. Also kids will read in certain video games as they have stories. They can go into graphic design for video games... which is basically the new I want to be a football player star. Every kid wants it. But even with freelancing you can do pretty well. You can turn any hobby into money nowadays. The more people enjoy it the more money you make.

From a spiritual perspective I have no idea. My son dreams about flying and has weird dreams compared to me as a kid. They say people who play video games have lucid dreams more... which I didn't start until an adult. I think people like it bc it's creating and we're made in the image of God, therefore enjoy creating https://ffbeta.io/. I don't think God is surprised at all that many people enjoy video games.

Video games are a powerful form of entertainment that blend creativity, storytelling, and interactivity in ways few other mediums can match. From simple, accessible titles like Tetris to expansive, story-driven experiences like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, they cater to a wide range of players and preferences.

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

I played video games throughout my entire youth, up to the age of 28.

From age 26-28 I worked at Digital Hearts in Torrance, California as a Video Game Quality Assurance Tester. I was on the testing team for Rocket League, Majora's Mask for Wii U and dozens of other games.

The more I walked with Jesus, the more I realized it was time to let go of childhood things, as written in scripture, and continue to mature and follow Christ by serving others and creating works of art that could lead others to Christ.

Video games are fun when you are young but if you aren't creating a video game to lead others to Christ, what's the point?

 

[mailmandan]

A video game that I used to really enjoy playing with my son years ago was..

 

[Urielllla]

True. There are some certain things that might not be bad in and of itself, but they don't have much benefit, and might be destructive to you.

This is different from when the Bible says bodily exercise profits little; exercises do not have eternal value, but they're not destructive either.

Video games might be addictive to most people, and if you find out it is to you, then stay away from it despite what others think. For instance, reading novels might not be bad in and of itself, and definitely not to everyone, but I love reading them so much so you can say I'm addicted, so I try as much as I can to stay away from them. Not to mention the fact that some video games are violent, and definitely not what a Christian should play.

 

[TheLearner]

The only Video Games I used was a short time in the USAF before going to NAM

 

[wattie]

I play video games quite a lot, some are pretty harmless like sports games or civilization building games.. but those can take a lot of time that could be better spent on Godly things.

I look back at the hours recorded on steam on games I've played and think.. wow that much time! What if I sunk that much time into learning a language or reading scripture?

 

[TheLearner]

I play video games quite a lot, some are pretty harmless like sports games or civilization building games.. but those can take a lot of time that could be better spent on Godly things.

I look back at the hours recorded on steam on games I've played and think.. wow that much time! What if I sunk that much time into learning a language or reading scripture?

I only play chess online. I am not a very good player, but have beat AI microsoft version or 1,200 times now. It does not matter if I open QP to Q4 or KP to K4. It's weak spot is on Queen's side to line up both rooks with Queen behind them, aming both Bishops to that side of board.

 

[I_am_Canadian]

I personally, can't play any video games anymore. I personally cannot control them. Not trying to discourage anything, but I feel like even if the games are clean, they are addictive. I now prefer activities that include creativity and productivity, such as drawing and making music.

Now, I do still like characters from video games, but I won't play the games with them anymore. Maybe I should write about Mario and Luigi becoming Christians...

Now, joking aside, this verse comes to my mind.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

I am not sure how ya can do that with video games. Not trying to be a pharisee towards this community's gamers, but I personally believe it has harmed my life greatly and I regret having spent hundreds of dollars on it...

I agree with you, they are addicting, any addiction you can't control you are right to get rid of.
Watch the movie Fire proof. Great resource.

 

[Rainmaker]

I drifted away from most games too, but I still dip into simple, creative stuff now and then. Minecraft PE scratches that itch without pulling me in too deep, and using https://modscraft.net/en/mcpe/ helped me try small tweaks and maps so I could play in short, relaxed bursts. It gave me a way to enjoy the game without feeling sucked back into heavy gaming.

 

[legion]

I personally, can't play any video games anymore. I personally cannot control them. Not trying to discourage anything, but I feel like even if the games are clean, they are addictive. I now prefer activities that include creativity and productivity, such as drawing and making music.

Now, I do still like characters from video games, but I won't play the games with them anymore. Maybe I should write about Mario and Luigi becoming Christians...

Now, joking aside, this verse comes to my mind.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

I am not sure how ya can do that with video games. Not trying to be a pharisee towards this community's gamers, but I personally believe it has harmed my life greatly and I regret having spent hundreds of dollars on it...

If that is the case then you should not be playing the games but it's not the case however with many people I personally have played video games for over 40 years and had a successful life and relationships I wasn't a hermit

It comes down to being able to manage your time if you can spend an hour and play a game and walk away from it great if you can't then it may be a problem

 

[ThroughTheStorm]

I feel your struggle lol and I love that 1 Corinthians verse. Like with many things, moderation is key. If it feels too much of a stumbling block, it wouldnt be unreasonable to cut it out your life. So definitely don't fel bad for doing it. Instead rejoice that you take the Lord seriously and are willing to examine where your time and energy is going to. Ive had to do that with multiple things because it was interfering with my relationship with the Lord. Even though it was saddening watching others engage in things I used to love, I just had to remember the fact that it is better to sacrifice a wordly pleasure than let it take me away from the eternal promises of God. However, we can enjoy certain pleasures as down time but we shouldn't let it control us or even become something we put more focus into than God.

Personally for me, I try to stay away from video games that violate God's standards for righteousness: sexual immorality or promiscuity, profanity, deception, witchcraft, idolatry, etc.

And this is coming from someone who used to love playing Dark Souls and spent all night playing Smash Bros and Among Us, lol.

Among Us was one of those games were the Holy Spirit really convicted me. The main point is to lie and deceive others into thinking you're not the killer. It seems like harmless fun, but if I know that lying in the real world is wrong and an abimination to the Lord (Proverbs 12:22), why then is it ok as a person professing to be an example of Christ's character, to take enjoyment in fanciful evil.

We are called to be infants in evil and mature in what is right. Unfortunately a lot of video games opperate in opposition requiring the player to level up or advance by maturing in evil.

But regardless, gotta filter out the games and use moderation when playing. You raise a good point about how we can use it to glorify God. Lol, I cant think of many but I can imagine it would look like not lashing out in rage when losing and being supportive in character

Have people notice your character so then they'll ask why you reacted the way you did and then you can talk about Christ's character

 

[ThroughTheStorm]

I agree. I used to be a very avid video game player. Spent alot of time, energy, funds etc on these things. Since then I have sold everything, gotten rid of it and now live a life spiritually disciplined for the Lord. I struggle enough without having that kind of influence in my life, spiritual warfare is real. Most of the videos games have magic, demonic occultism in it encouraging and downplaying that it's really that bad. But it is that bad. Satan definitely got a beachhead in my life. God, Himself tells us to come out of this not being in mixed/mingled with paganism ideology. I agree that we are to be the salt and the light for Christ but not to the extend of compromising and indulging in that which promotes occultic and idolatry [the high when you play games and various games have some form of paganism, demonic occultism, mysticism, spiritualism, idolatry in them]. When you truly see where the rabbit hole goes. Name one that doesn't have magic, or spells, or witches, or wizards, or demons, or superpowers, or money has a focal point, covetousness [I want more, need to get more - it exposes and allows you to practice these sinful behaviors. I learned so much and my daughter [also was an avid gamer] both of us were delivered by God's grace. I can't even go back without having a physical respond [wanting to puke]. I know I could be praying, studying God's Word more - nearly 80% of all Christians don't read their Bible every day or haven't read their Bible [that was me, I was very convicted]. Matthew 6:22

That's just my own testimonial and my daughter's. Not intended to preach anyone - just giving my own testimony about the subject.

Exactly!

It's one thing if the "villain" was the only one using magic but the hero is shown doing witchcraft to defeat evil. This is just trying to paint the narrative that magic is ok depending on how it's used. Yet God says all witchcraft is perversion

 

[adamjordan53]

Yeah I've done that numerous times as well, just taking off anywhere.
More often than not I skip the Dragonborn quest line. I, also, don't use the shouts too often. I usually prefer casters, and use mods that add all sorts of spells, so not much need for shouts.
I also like playing sneak characters, especially with a bow and arrow. They're great for coasting through most dungeons, but can be a challenge during boss fights, or if you get too many mobs at once.
Morvarth's Cavern is a prime example. It's pretty difficult to finish that as a stealth character as it seems so hard to stay hidden.
I don't play most races, either. I mostly just pick human races. And not usually even Nords. I've tried the other races and just can't get into them from an immersive standpoint. Which is ironic since in most games I'd not pick humans first.

I will admit, since I restart so often with new characters, and mostly the same races, I keep a save at the end of Helgen, or more than one with a couple different races, one for casters and one for anything else. That way I avoid having to replay Helgen over and over.

I've not played Anniversary Edition. I still have Legendary. Best mod selection.

How about followers? Tend to use them? If so who do you usually favor?
I have a mod that let's me take up to 20 followers. I can keep any with me I choose or drop them off at home to stay. Also prevents friendly fire.
I also had a necromancer mod that allowed a number of skeletal minions to follow me. As well as being turned into a lich, myself. So extra powerful.
Plus I could raise dead. So I took. 10 followers plus minions and summoned dead into a dungeon once and you can imagine how smoothly that went
But when I came out I started having constant crashes. Even sending the followers tomatodownload.com.br home didn't help. So that playthrough ended there. Bummer.

Video games have become one of the most influential forms of entertainment in the modern world, offering players immersive experiences that combine storytelling, creativity, strategy, and social interaction. Many people enjoy video games as a way to relax, challenge themselves, or connect with friends and communities online. Beyond entertainment, video games can help develop problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, teamwork, and critical thinking.

 

[I_am_Canadian]

I agree with you, they are addicting, any addiction you can't control you are right to get rid of.
Watch the movie Fire proof. Great resource.

Watch it? I own it lol

 

[ciicii]

I personally, can't play any video games anymore. I personally cannot control them. Not trying to discourage anything, but I feel like even if the games are clean, they are addictive. I now prefer activities that include creativity and productivity, such as drawing and making music.

Now, I do still like characters from video games, but I won't play the games with them anymore. Maybe I should write about Mario and Luigi becoming Christians...

Now, joking aside, this verse comes to my mind.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

I am not sure how ya can do that with video games. Not trying to be a pharisee towards this community's gamers, but I personally believe it has harmed my life greatly and I regret having spent hundreds of dollars on it...

I Actually thinks this is fair, like knowing yourself and what you are tempted with. But I also think that there are some things that are clean that people still don't go near and that is okay too.

"But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning." (nlt) Romans 14:34

We as Christians have some Christian liberties and I think video games fall under that. For me it is TV I try not to watch modern shows because they cause my mind to go to places that are not good. Because I am easily influenced, and get addicted real fast.

But I also like playign video games and wish there were cleaner one or ones that are christian. I think that would be cool. But there are so many people who have channels dedicated to virtual missionary missions and they are really coold becuase these people on minecraft or roblox or any other open world wouldnt hear the gospel any other way.

I also knwo there are christian who play secular games (usually cleaner ones) that chust hang out without the fear of like swearign or being vulgar which is great adn serves in the way paul did

"So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don’t want to cause another believer to stumble." - 1 cor 8:13
Maybe in this instance it would be not cause someone to sin by showing people they can play games without zoning out or being two faced, christian by day and addicted gamer by night. Instead they can be mindful??

Like for me I have a YT channel where I encourage people on their christian journeys and just christian life chats, and it is while I am playing Minecraft. Because I liked playing Minecraft and chatting with people about God.

So there are lot's of ways to use video games to honor the Lord, but also it might not be somethign you are called to be a part of if that is something you struggle with. Maybe your strength is helping others who struggle with that addiction and allowing them to find freedom in other outlets.

​

I really liked this discussion but also yes - write about Luigi and Mario becoming Christians XD

 

[ciicii]

I've never been interested in them. There was a particular experience where I went to a family's home to provide tech support and discovered that the man of the house spent most of his time in front of a screen playing video games. I felt bad for his wife and children. It seemed like he was missing out on the fullness available in his life, and his wife and children were being denied a healthy relationship with the dad/husband.

I agree with this, i miss when we had 90 minute time limits to prevent stuff like this.

 

[TheLearner]

chess

 

[Templar62]

moderations ok.but if you spend more time in your bedroom than anywhere else its a problem.

 

[I_am_Canadian]

I agree with this, i miss when we had 90 minute time limits to prevent stuff like this.

I think it's rather sad that a man treasures his video games more than his family.