Christian Colleges Video Game Degrees | August 17, 2023 | Today, numerous Christian educational institutions are offering specialized courses in video game design, integrating religious perspectives with the curriculum. At Messiah University, students are taught to bring Christian values into the digital universes they develop. Abilene Christian University encourages its students to innovate in the realm of digital entertainment, guided by faith-based teachings.

Oklahoma Christian University has seen a surge in the enrollment for its gaming courses over recent years. Biola University recognized the potential of this domain and transformed its game design concentration into a full-fledged major. The aim? To train students to perceive gaming as both a platform for narrative art and a mission.

Michael Steffen, the lead of Biola’s program, believes that powerful mediums like video games are essential platforms for Christian messaging. While technical skills are vital, Biola emphasizes narrative elements in games, focusing on stories, character development, and underlying themes that players can connect with.

Aiden Arrendondo, an upcoming graduate from the program, sees the potential of video games as a novel avenue to spread Christian teachings. He recently attended a conference centered on Christian game development, emphasizing the divine gift of creativity and its potential in the gaming world.

Brock Henderson, CTO and co-founder of PxlPug, emphasizes the teachings of Jesus about self-love and love for neighbors. He also mentions Jesus’ call to be “the salt and light” in the world and references the call in Genesis to create and cultivate.

Henderson believes that given the powerful cultural impact of video games, they stand as this era’s most influential art form, deserving earnest attention.

As video games gain cultural momentum, Christians have shown a diverse range of reactions. Some Christian institutions have embraced the growing trend of esports, viewing them as potential platforms for outreach and ministry.

In recent years, games providing a virtual experience of walking in Jesus’ shoes have emerged. However, Christian game designers aren’t limited to explicitly religious themes. Their games can hint at broader moral values or depict the eternal tussle between good and evil without directly referencing biblical narratives.

Biola’s game design course equips students to identify and incorporate Christian perspectives into mainstream games. A game developed by a student, named Surface Runner, subtly weaves in Christian narratives. The game’s AI protagonist is influenced by voices, resembling the idea of divine guidance and external temptations.

Michael Steffen of Biola emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the player’s experience, suggesting that true service lies in directing players towards higher truths. Reflecting on the gaming industry’s practices, he suggests that love can be shown by genuinely considering the team’s well-being.

Henderson concurs, cautioning against games solely driven by profit motives, urging developers to prioritize players’ genuine experiences over mere monetization.