Iffy on the morality of a certain video game

[JackVk]

I recently started playing, and beat, a game called Metal Gear Solid 3. It is an action game where the player is a CIA spy in the 1960s. It’s a fun game because of the “action-adventure” aspect, but there are sexual themes within it. For example, one of the characters is a woman who is scantily dressed for pretty much all of the game. I ignored that as much as possible, but the indecency is shown in cut scenes which are pivotal to understanding the plot (while the indecency is completely unnecessary). There are also swimsuit posters and magazines in the game, but only at certain points, and you would have to deliberately look for them. After I had beaten the game, Playboy magazine was mentioned in the credits as a sponsor.

I thought about playing through again, but I don’t want to use a product that funds the porno industry, which hurts countless women constantly. And I am saying this as a guy. What to do?

Note: this game belongs to my brother’s friend, so I can’t just sell it or throw it away.

 

[AndrewA]

Hello, I’ve played the entire series. I think it’s immature of them to add that content, but it was easy to overlook. It was no worse then any Hollywood movie.
I like Metal Gear solid 2 and 4 more though.

It is an “M” rated title, but it certainly didn’t incite lustful thinking…

 

[Ghosty]

I don’t generally wade into discussions like this one, but as a big fan of the game in question I do have some thoughts on the matter.

In all forms of storytelling there can be abuses and glorifications of evil, and video games are certainly no exception. The question is first whether or not these things are an integral part of the story and necessary to its telling (what would the story of Oedipus be without patricide and incest, for example, or Hamlet without its portrayal of vindictive vengence), and second how does it affect the viewer/hearer of the tale. If you struggle with the portrayals of sexuality in the Metal Gear Solid series, and it causes you distress or encourages evil behavior or thoughts for you then you should certainly steer clear of it.

The character in question is a spy who uses seduction as tool, and that is a common theme throughout history in tales and in real life, and goes with the territory of an espionage themed story. I do agree that her portrayal is a bit over the top, however, and could easily be problematic for many people. My personal feeling is that the material can definitely cross into the “near occaision of sin” category for some people, and that if you are one of those then you should avoid it. If you are able to take it for what it is (a portrayal of seduction in espionage) without it leading to evil thoughts and impulses for yourself, however, then it’s not as big of a moral problem IMO.

As for the other things, like the posters of scantily clad women hidden in the game, avoid them. As you said you have to actually seek those things out, and they are easily ignored and forgotten.

Just my thoughts!

Peace and God bless!

 

[Ghosty]

Hello, I’ve played the entire series. I think it’s immature of them to add that content, but it was easy to overlook. It was no worse then any Hollywood movie.
I like Metal Gear solid 2 and 4 more though.

It is an “M” rated title, but it certainly didn’t incite lustful thinking…

Metal Gear Solid 4 I understand, but MGS 2 being better than 3? You must be the only person on the planet who feels that way (even the makers of Metal Gear made fun of part 2 within part 3), and it makes your entire moral judgement suspect.

Peace and God bless!

 

[JackVk]

Hello, I’ve played the entire series. I think it’s immature of them to add that content, but it was easy to overlook. It was no worse then any Hollywood movie.
I like Metal Gear solid 2 and 4 more though.

It is an “M” rated title, but it certainly didn’t incite lustful thinking…

It didn’t incite lustful thinking for me either. i just felt that since such content is included, I was risking potential sin. Yes, that content is quite easy to overlook. Like I said, you would have to try to look for it. The fact that Playboy is a sponsor is what put me on edge. Then again, Walmart is a possible Planned Murderhood sponsor, and then we get into the “everything is evil” scrupulosity.