Theology Gaming Podcast

What motivates you to play video games? Zach, Ted, and Josh discuss how we play games and, perhaps, come to some differing conclusions regarding our own motivations. Talk includes creation debates, indie games, etc. Apologies for the audio problems!

Preterism is a Christian view that interprets Biblical prophecies as events which already happened. So guess our topic this week? Achievements! And Mass Effect rumors! And possibly Nintendo stuff if we ever get to it.

Phew! Long title. Due to extenuating circumstances, Zach and Ted talk about game collecting, classic literature from the last millenium, and Yann Wong joins us to talk about Sleeping Dogs. This is a weird, weird podcast.

Bryan Hall's gotta a grudge with indie games. So does Zachery Oliver, to a degree.  So let's talk (or virtual hug) it out. Topics range from the definition of "indie games" to what we like and hate about them in equal measure, to complete tangents.

You've read a review before, right? Ever hear of a game being "addicting"? Video games compel you to play them, and this compulsion makes them the perfect haven for addiction. So how can Christians respond to game addiction?

Today, I'm talking with Michael Uzdavines of Saved Games, Inc. and their latest game project, Heroes of Issachar. Described as a castle-building sim plus an action RPG, it's a rather ambitious project for two developers. That's why they have Kickstarter!

TG Sessions are one-on-one conversations. We pick three topics, we riff on them. Joshua Cauller and Bryan Hall talk about depressing games, moral agency, and growing. Music tracks by Brian Boyko (contact at Brian.Boyko@netqos.com)

Jacob Toman, gaming missionary and affiliate with Gospel And Gaming talks to Theology Gaming (why does the word gaming appear so often in this sentence) about his thoughts, his methodology, and the passion he has for reaching a new demographic.

Immaturity? Never! Topics include Minecraft and moral agency,The Last of Us, Uncharted, NBA 2k14, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, biking, The Virginia Creeper, Fire Emblem: Awakening, and Bayonetta. Send questions at submissions@theologygaming.com!

So we talk about The Wind Waker. And some other stuff. But lots of Zelda. M. Joshua Cauller and Ted Loring both join me for stuff ranging from Cauller's Game Cell ministry to DmC: Devil May Cry! And retro games in the middle somewhere.

Ryan Baker and Ryan Burrell of Pixelscopic takes the time to talk about their game in development, Delver's Drop. Topics range from Zelda to Hunt the Wumpus! Maybe some talk about Christianity in there too.

A strange podcast that bounces all over the place! No surprise with us. Zach, Josh, Ted, and Justin Fox (of ReElise fame/infamy) talk about Shelter, Diablo III, Guacamelee, DOTA2, The Bureau: XCOM Declassified, and Ridge Racer. Also, much talk of churros.

Eric Anderson gets the interview treatment for his own ministry, Nerd Chapel. Topics range from board game culture, Pogs, Risk, Settlers of Catan, Ameritrash, comic books, natural disasters, multiple personalities, and all that crazy comics stuff!

The root subject, let's be honest, was intimacy, and how our culture lacks the ability to comprehend it in any way but through sexual relations. So let's here M. Joshua Cauller, Bryan Hall, Yann Wong, and Eric Anderson address varied topics about sex.

What does it take to make a MMORPG with an all volunteer staff and no budget? Ask Laurene Wells, the director of the Christian MMO Visions! This podcast contains a rather exhaustive discussion of Mrs. Wells' past and her ten year devotion to the project.

Given the title, you should not expect an explication of the Biblical theology of wealth! Moreover, Steam Sales don't allow for that sort of thing (kidding!) Rather, listen to Zach Oliver, Ted Loring, M. Joshua Cauller, and Bryan Hall discuss games!

Jay Tholen and Pat Gann have wonderful game ideas: Dropsy's clown adventures and Stasis Concerto's visual novel stylings Each talks about their fascinating games and tell us all about the process of Kickstarter.

Are our choices in-game a reflection of our true selves or are we just playing? Zachery Oliver, M. Joshua Cauller, and Ted Loring talk about it! Topics range from The Last of Us' hobo combat to photobombing Tim Schafer during PAX East (Cauller's fault).

M. Joshua Cauller's conversation with Richard Terrell, a developer on indie game BaraBariBall and proprietor of the Critical Gaming Network/blog. Topics range the gamut from Terrell's life experiences to his approach in game design and the industry.

Today, we find a bunch of dudes talking about feminism in games...and in general! As per the title, some sensitive material (both relating to gender, race, and otherwise) gets talked about rather freely, so fair warning.