Are There Too Many Games?
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.
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A Weak Understanding of Power
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.
Can I Play Your Testimony?
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?
Our Aversion to Loss
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.
Don’t You Know Games Are Addictive?
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
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.
Waves of Discouragement
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.
People Over Products: A Discussion with Chris Skaggs
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.
Uncertainty in Games and Creation
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?
The Mission Field of Games
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.
Game Development Does Not Define You
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.
A Safe Place for Violence?
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.