I was recently on a call that gathered a group of brothers across various vocations. There were ministry leaders, educators, administrators, and game developers, all of whom loved Jesus and liked games. As we chatted and shared our stories and work, I was struck by one idea: games are about relationships.

When thinking about the presence of an action or activity that could be considered sinful (killing, lying, stealing, etc.), I picture a continuum. On the left side is what I'm labeling Allow. In the middle, we have Incorporate; on the far right side, we have Celebrate.

Last month the Christian Game Developers Conference hosted its annual virtual conference. The virtual conference takes place every winter and gives members of the community from around the world an opportunity to speak, connect, and encourage one another.

"Be fruitful" were the first words Adam heard. From that first instruction, we have understood that work is important; yet, since the arrival of sin, we've struggled to give it its intended place.

A brother challenged me the other day concerning the work I've been doing. He said, "you preach play when a war is going on." He isn't wrong—a war is raging through all creation.

Are there too many games? It’s an odd question when coming out the mouth of a game developer; it’s even stranger when asking a bunch of people this question at the beginning of a game jam.

I fear I have a weak understanding of power and suspect I'm not alone. I work in an industry that makes products, some of which get labeled "power fantasies" and "god simulators," this leads me to believe there is room for growth.

Each year an increasing number of personal narrative games are released. And what is a personal narrative other than a different way of saying testimony?

Human beings have an aversion to loss. We feel deep grief when something is taken away from us, and the possibility of loss can create fear and nervousness. As game designers, it’s important to understand the psychology around loss so that we can take care of our players and intentionally craft the types of experiences they desire.

Sometimes I speak with parents who are very concerned about the addictiveness of games and their impact on their children. Often in those conversations, there is an unspoken question: As a Christian, how can you, in good conscience, make video games when they are so addicting?

Creating Games Through the Lens of Love explores what it means to be a Christian in the games industry and how approaching game development with love changes the entire process.

In an industry where 95% of indie games aren't profitable, at some point, you may find yourself being tossed around by waves of discouragement—which is where I find myself currently.

Brock Henderson joins Chris Skaggs on the Soma Soulworks podcast to discuss games as a mission field and how our focus must extend beyond the games we make to the people our lives touch.

As I read the opening chapter of Greg Costikyan’s book, Uncertainty In Games, three questions came to mind. 1. Do activities like games require uncertainty? 2. Is uncertainty a consequence of The Fall? 3. What role does uncertainty play in creation?

When I tell people that games are an incredible mission field, they seem surprised. It's an understandable reaction. I was in my thirties before I realized that my love for video games had uniquely prepared me to reach people with the same passions.

It’s easy to slip into the mindset that believes game development defines your identity. However, when we try to create an identity different than the one God has for us, we set ourselves up for disappointment and heartache.

When I was growing up, the topic of violence in video games was a pretty big deal. Games like Doom and Mortal Kombat were starting to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable. The topic was discussed and debated on news programs and magazine articles; even scientists and psychologists even weighed in on the issue.

Much like designing and building a skyscraper, making games requires an incredible amount of communication to ensure everyone is building the same thing.

In an industry of ever-increasing complexity, the good news is God’s plan for us is refreshingly simple. In John 15, Jesus explains it this way, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” 

Video games are a tutor to help us understand an aspect of God’s character that has been hard for us to comprehend.