August 16, 2007 -
Whether you're a fan of the best-selling Left Behind series or not, a plan to ship the PC game version to American troops fighting in a Muslim country was never a good idea.That's mainly because a key element of the game play in Left Behind: Eternal Forces features Christian troops converting - or killing - non-believers.
The Department of Defense has now put a stop to the shipments, following an inquiry by ABC News. According to the ABC report, Operation Start Up (OSU) Tour, an evangelical Christian entertainment troupe, planned to include copies of Left Behind in care packages destined for U.S. forces.
Rev. Timothy Simpson of the Christians Alliance for Progress told ABC News:
It's a horrible game. You either kill or covert the other side. This is exactly what the Osama bin Ladens of the world have portrayed us [as].
Left Behind Games CEO Troy Lyndon said:
There is no forcible conversion to Christianity, and killing is never an objective in any of the 40 missions in the game.
Researchers at the Military Religious Freedom Foundation learned of the plan to ship Left Behind to Iraq last week. Their discovery was reported by The Nation.
Comments
I severed my relationship with Tyndale House over this game, warning that a) it would not make money, and b) it was clearly contrary to the Gospel. The game lost $4.3 million, and three people were fired over it. I was right, again.
I applaud the decision not to allow this game to be sent oversees. The people who made it should be sent oversees and not allowed to come back. The game is hurtful and it is absurd. Jack Thompson
I'm sure military folks online could tell us what kind of "entertainment" is available over there.
I'm not too familiar with military life and work. But, from my perspective, when you work for the military, it isn't the same as a 9-5 job where you're at work from 9am-5pm, and "off the clock" the rest of the time. It's a lot more complicated than that for military folk. But I would think those who are out of country are "on the clock" 24-7, much like a business person who goes overseas for a conference or meeting.
So what I'm wondering is, do the soldiers really have computers for personal use with video/computer games on them or are the computers that they may have treated as "business" machines, limited to the entertainment they are allowed.
I ask all this in regards to potential Free Speech issues. If you've read my posts for any length of time, you know I don't dictate what should or should not be appropriate content in games for other individuals to play. If the games were Tetris (major commercial title), GTA (major commercial title), or even Ethnic Cleansing (Independant commercial title), this issue for me would be along the Free Speech Rights of the soldiers to have ANY game, not any specific game.
Nightwng2000
NW2K Software
They have personal computers, I worked on a machine that served in Iraq once. Well, I refused to work on a machine and made the soldier send it to the manufacturer (which meant he wouldn't get it back by the time he went back to Iraq) cause he was a massive prick. That's right, I overtly did not support the troops.
I, uh... agree... with you.
I feel dirty.
"If the games were Tetris../..this issue for me would be along the Free Speech Rights of the soldiers to have ANY game, not any specific game."
If you're saying what i think you're saying, i agree. I think that just because it's religion-oriented doesn't make it bad, i'm sure they get other games too from other organizations (i gave my game boy advance and a couple games to care packages). If they want to play the game, i think they should. if they want to throw it away, go ahead. but at least they'll get to choose...
I agree that the game is absurd. And I don't believe that sending it overseas would be wise as it would only serve to impassion our enemies against us and prove that this is some kind of religious war.
Although I disagree with the game I support the creators write to make it. The people who should be sent overseas, to freedom impaired countries such as China are those people who are trying to do away with our freedoms and make us like said freedom impaired countries. For example people such as you Jack.
Said, an anonymous official: "We LOVE irony!"
As we turn to local stories, the Florida Bar has ruled that ubiquitous anti-videogame attorney Jack Thompson will be receiving the game "Overlord" as a parting gift for his "dedicated service" to Floridians and the unwashed masses of the world.
Funnily enough Jack, I agree with you on this one. Yes, the game was a colossal failure, and yes, it does completely contradict religious teachings
A game like this would not help the situation in Iraq.
@ Mr. John Bruce Thompson
Careful with prideful statements like, "I was right, again." It is not good for the soul.
I agree with you on this one. Left Behind is a crap game and as a non-christian I find the game disturbing (with it's message of convert or die). It was a bad game, and a bad decition to make it. And sending it overseas to our troops during a crucial diplomatic time is idiotic.
See Jack? Sometimes even enemies can find common ground. After all, it is the first step to peace. Why cant we all just do the christian thing and try to get along?
(BTW, I still belive that even though Left Behind is an offencive game, it is the right of the creators to make it. First Amendment and all.)
Careful with the statements there, kids. ^^;
That being said I do not like the game. Its pretty terrible. I don't like the message of the game.
Every time Jack speaks its clear he doesn't like freedom.
"The people who made it should be sent overseas and not allowed to come back"
Are you kidding me? This statement alone shows how much you hate freedom. Just because someone does something you don't agree with you wish to eject them from the country. This country is supposed to be free. We are supposed to be able to do what we wish without fear of being exiled. This statement is infinitely more absurd than any other you've ever made.
Read the constitution. Try to understand the meaning of the words 'Freedom' and 'Liberty'. Then try to apply those ideas to your theories.
Why would one wish to take freedom away from his fellow Americans? This is exactly why I don't care much about the bogus "terrorist hate us for our freedoms" BS. Because we already have American citizens hating America for what little freedoms we have left.
It is like (to use a completely over the top example) Fred Phelps. To a lot of people, their faith is something that gives them strength, guidance and a moral compass, all of which are admirable. Phelps however uses his "faith" to promote an agenda of hatred and bigotry, both of which are against the primary teachings of Christianity (Love thy neighbour, treat others as you would yourself). The developers took this idea of exploring older religious themes in a modern context, but used the licence to produce a preachy game that contains overtones of religious intolerance.
The US forces in Iraq have to cope with enough intolerance and violence caused by religious groups without having to see these same themes in a video game.
Um, i'm pretty sure most Christians don't believe in suffering in order to get closer to god (even the president), but I agree with you on sending quality games to the troops.
I mean is it really so hard to send the brave men and women over seas Bioshock or Madden 08?
In other words it would shatter the cruel and unusual punishment laws, then again, those have been broken a lot already.
Does the BOOK give off a similer message of Convert of die?
I know the Bible does, what with the whole 'convert or burn in hell' thing
*cough*
That said, I'm sure there is an audience for this type of game among our soldiers, and I'm equally sure that they are playing, watching, and reading some pretty politically incorrect stuff over there already. Who are we to tell fighting men and women with what they can and cannot entertain themselves?
I think the arguments that this is a free speech issue are correct. I also think the arguments that this is an international incident waiting to happen are correct. It seems to me that this is an exploitive game based on exploitive novels being sent by an exploitive group to soldiers. It can be hard to say what is right and what is wrong in a situation that stinks like this one.
Anyone here could say that this game would loose money, in fact i'm sure a lot fo them did, Gamers tend to know what will suck, WE'RE the ones who buy them remember. which is why left behind failed.
one more for the gamers, two if you count people ignoring your opinions jack, we've said that all along.
for the love of god they are fighting and dying for us cant we at least send them games they will enjoy playing!!!
I also think games like this send the wrong message of christianity to non-christians. I have talked to several people of various beliefs on religious/faith based questions (always fun as long as no one takes things personally) and it's amazing how often examples like this game are brought up as proof of "See what the Christians are like".
In conclusion it is a horrible game for various reasons. Please send the troops something fun, like Shadow of the Colossus, that way if they run into one in Iraq they already are "trained" to look for the glowing weak point and kill it.
No, not at all. Your bullet just happened to slip out of your gun and into a person's chest. Just as I happened to fall with my sword behind you, and it just happened to pierce your spinal area, and you just happen to not be Christian. And this happens, over, and over, and over again throughout the game.
I guess your character is just veeery accident prone, eh?
Is that true?
The money bit I don’t doubt though I’ve no idea where Thompson got that number. Was anyone fired over the game? Honestly, I don’t know. I’ve looked around a bit online but haven’t been able to confirm it as fact. Maybe if Thompson would be so kind as to support his claims with links to the appropriate news articles or press releases…
Here’s what I do know:
According to critics, Left Behind just isn’t that great of a game.
http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/928956.asp?q=left%20behind
According to Left Behind Games, Eternal Forces sold 65,000 copies in its first 6 weeks.
http://www.leftbehindgames.com/archive/Storage_For_Press_Releases/PR%20-...
Analyst Michael Pachter predicted sales of 200,000 and a forthcoming sequel.
http://gamepolitics.com/2007/01/05/analyst-sees-gold-in-left-behind-eter...
A sequel is planned for July ’08.
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6162811.html?part=rss&tag=gs_news&subj=6162811
Left Behind Games stocks spiked when the game came out and have been low ever since.
http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?s=LFBG.OB&t=1y
Andrew Eisen
I think if we’re going to ship a game to the troops we should ship a better game. I see where the “poor taste” argument comes from but the game’s content doesn’t bother me. It’s just a game after all.
Would anyone raise a fuss if someone sent copies of the books? They’re far more gratuitously and explicitly violent than the game could ever hope to be. (They’re still entertaining reads though, with the exception of the last book in the series.)
Send 'em Gears of War, Katamari Damacy, or Super Mario Strikers.
Andrew Eisen
It was over money, not the game content. How in the world could they have been surprised at the game's content? It's based on the book series, which is Left Behind Games' sole reason for existence.
This story has been kicking around the non-gaming blogosphere for a few days. Someone there mentioned the execs getting fired and apparently added 2+2=5. JT thus picked it up from erroneous reports.
"Pacifist Christians and other groups are taking the game material out of context to support their own causes. There is NO “killing in the name of God” and NO “convert or die”. There are NO “negative portrayals of Muslims” and there are NO “points for killing”."
It included a link to a demo and ended by saying that the game has positively changed the lives of young people. Pph, whatever. I never downloaded the demo. My time is occupied with other things and I could care less.
What I'm wondering, though, is why they felt the need to defend themselves in such a manner. I've never seen any other game company do this. I guess they're so small and hurting for sales that words from strangers on the internet are powerful enough to help or break them.
Hey, Jackie boy, this would be a good site for you to visit.
http://www.godisimaginary.com/
http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/070430/0245544.html
Apr 30, 2007 -- In an effort to make significant senior management changes, Left Behind Games Inc. has accepted the resignation of Senior Vice President, David J. Klein and has discontinued employment of President, Jeffrey S. Frichner. Furthermore, CEO Troy Lyndon on Friday asked for the resignation of the company's other three board members.
Michael A. Knox and Leslie N. Bocskor have both agreed to serve as interim Co-chairs of the Board of Directors to help recast the company's vision to capitalize on the enormous untapped market found within faith-based, inspirational and family values entertainment media and games. "Upon ratification of the board or the company's shareholders, this appointment of interim Co-chairs will take affect," said CEO Troy Lyndon. "Both Knox and Bocskor have media entertainment and public company management experience that we desperately need."
"I am delighted to have the potential opportunity to work with Troy Lyndon again, as our last experience together resulted in numerous successes," said Mr. Knox. Michael A. Knox was a former partner with CEO Troy Lyndon for five years while they built Park Place Productions from an initial investment of $3,000 into North America's largest independent video game development company. Mr. Knox is currently the CEO of V2P Communications, one of the world leaders in the new Internet audio advertising industry.
"I am excited about the company's future as it extends its presence as a leader in the family values, faith-based and inspirational media and entertainment marketplace," said Mr. Leslie Bocskor. Leslie N. Bocskor is an entrepreneur and managing partner with Lennox Hill Partners LLC, a New York-based advisory firm and the co-founder of two arts & culture philanthropic organizations as well as numerous computer software, entertainment and technology companies.
Mr. Lyndon was the original developer of the first 3D John Madden Football game for Electronic Arts, which has gone on to become a billion-dollar franchise. Furthermore, Mr. Lyndon and Mr. Knox both were awarded Inc. Magazine's Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1993 from Ernst & Young and Merrill Lynch.
Considering Jack himself doesn't seem to follow the Gospel despite his assertions, I find this statement hilarious.
The people who made it should be sent oversees and not allowed to come back.
Too bad we can't do the same to Jack. :p
Couldn't do much more damage than what has been done, I'd wager.
I know war is great business for weapon manufacaturers and private contractors. Now it seems as if the soldiers themselves are becoming a marketing-instrument.
It's sick! I thought war was fighting for something you would give your live for. As it is now, 18 year old kids get talked into joining an, in my opinion, useless conflict, dying from depleted uranium radiation, showering with contaminated water because Haliburton thinks clean water is waste of money, waiting hours in line to get a meal untill they get killed or, if they're "lucky" come home with PTSD with almost no hope of support from the people they work for.
But at least Left Behing got mentioned on a blog and they were shown on TV holding a Zune. I feel really sorry for these guys. Used as pawns in so many ways.
They chose their fate. On a lot of bullshit information sure, but they still chose their fate. If you are over 18, you are legally responsible for yourself, even if you can't figure out why you should stay out of the sand trap.
Is this the perfect game to send to the troops? Absolutely not, especially considering the extreme cultural and religious tension that is present.
Should we perhaps choose a different game to send them? Absolutely. I honestly think we should send more than one kind of game. I don't think its a marvelous idea to only send one kind of game, especially if in this situation but I'm not going to agree with trying to prohibit it. Just because I don't agree with it doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to do so.
But then again this is coming from a man who wants to return all military home yesterday.
Well, that is a valid point. There is a certain level of deception to any job, and short of independent research on the part of the individual there really is no way to prepare for it.
Things are different now than they were in 2003, however. People are still enlisting, going in more or less blind. There is an exceptional amount of research into the conflict that wasn't available when Bush first declared his hostile intentions toward Iraq. There's no consensus, but several believe the military will never be able to resolve the conflict as it stands today. Some are declaring 'the surge' a failure.
No matter anyone's opinion, the situation is bleak. Why people would still be throwing themselves into that fire is pretty much beyond me.
Do you even know what depleted uranium is used in?
Goddamn, you say some stupid shit.
As for PTSD, its a condition of the weak minded who can't come to terms with the fact that if you didn't shoot him, he would've shot you.
@Zigs and Adaptor
The Brookings institute, an institute that has done its best for years to say this war was going nowhere, has changed their tune recently, as has the media. Will we be leaving soon? No. Are we making progress? yes.