The Video Game Mass Effect

[C794]

Would it be sinful to play the Mass Effect games? They include a sex scene if you complete a romance plot and in some cases this could be with someone of the same sex. Both of these are very easy to avoid. The way I’d play the game would prevent me from experiencing the same gendered romance, but I do complete a romance plot. I turn off the TV when the sex scene occurs. Lastly, the game is fairly violent, although less so than games like Halo and Call of Duty. Since this game doesn’t create any sinful feeling in me; so can I play it in good conscious?

In addition, is it okay to play evil characters in games like this? This is not because it’s fun to be evil in games; I much prefer good characters. Still sometimes I want to experience the story with a different character morality (this slightly changes things).

 

[xzereus]

ROMANCE:
I have played all three Mass Effect games and can say that I generally think they are good games. That being said, I do not think that it is wise to play through the romance plots even if you plan to turn off the TV during those scenes. The romance can be easily avoided, and the games are still quite enjoyable without it.

I have seen one of the scenes, and they are significantly more tame than the media portrays them as being (stuff that isn’t uncommon in PG-13 movies or even on local TV). Even still, even “tame” scenes such as this should be avoided as they can bring about sensual feelings in the viewer.

In short, it’s not a bad idea to play the games, but avoid the romance plots altogether! Above all things, never plan to simply turn something off when things get too inappropriate. When push comes to shove, our flesh often wins out, and you’re putting yourself in the near occasion of sin if nothing else.

VIOLENCE
I truly feel this depends on your age. If you are still in your years of formation, you can be increasingly impressionable. It is very easy to be desensitized when you view violence at younger years and this can be hard to undo. This happened to me when I was younger even though I denied it to myself. When I became aware of it, it took some time to remind myself of the importance of human life.

That being said, violence in a game is not inherently evil. Specifically, your primary enemies in Mass Effect are (SPOILER) creatures that are trying to destroy all sentient life in the known universe! (END SPOILER) I’m not sure about you, but I think that’s certainly a cause to fight for!

Games that you might choose to avoid are ones that include senseless violence and encourage killing for the sake of killing.

EVIL CHARACTERS
This is more of a gray area. Often times it is hard to decide even for me. On the one hand, performing evil actions (e.g. killing innocents, accepting payment to keep quiet about crimes) in games can make the player feel that such actions are “fun”. Most of the time this is fun because the actions are so different from anything the player would experience in real life. This could give the player a longing to have these sorts of experiences in real life, though this is unlikely in older players.

At the same time, the characters in a game are not real. Killing a character in a game is not permanent, so doing this is not the same as killing someone in real life. And yet again, this could impress the player that even murder in real life is not grave.

So, if you’d rather be safe than sorry, just avoid playing an evil character. I can tell you that the game is essentially the same with evil or good actions (it does change which characters live and die, but the ending remains the same. (SPOILER)And, really, do you WANT to kill your good ol’ pal Wrex?(END SPOILER)).

I think this one is really up to the person as long as you keep in mind that the actions are EVIL and that you should never repeat them in reality.

SUMMARY
Playing the game is fine, but experiencing the romance plots is probably a bad idea. Not only does that put you in the near occasion of sin, but it could place you in a situation where you make the wrong decision and fall into the grave sin of lust and inflames your sexual desires. Fantasizing about romance isn’t even necessarily a good idea itself.

 

[Beryllos]

The sex scene is evil. I have not seen it, but it seems to fit the description of pornography given in the Catechism (the bold highlighting is mine):

2354 Pornography consists in removing real or simulated sexual acts from the intimacy of the partners, in order to display them deliberately to third parties. It offends against chastity because it perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other. It does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense. Civil authorities should prevent the production and distribution of pornographic materials.

Even if you do not think that applies to your case, and even if you intend to turn off the images and sound during the sex scene, tell me, how does this game make you a better person or give glory to God? There are so many kinds of entertainment and games, so many other choices that are as enjoyable or better, why on earth would you pick this?

 

[Polycarp1]

The sex scene is evil. I have not seen it, but it seems to fit the description of pornography given in the Catechism (the bold highlighting is mine):
Even if you do not think that applies to your case, and even if you intend to turn off the images and sound during the sex scene, tell me, how does this game make you a better person or give glory to God? There are so many kinds of entertainment and games, so many other choices that are as enjoyable or better, why on earth would you pick this?

Very true, garbage in, garbage out. If we think that we are “mature” enough as to not be affected by these scenes and influences we are just kidding ourselves.

 

[Baelor]

Would it be sinful to play the Mass Effect games?

No. Indeed; the Mass Effect games are some of the best video games ever (especially the first, in many ways). They were instrumental in demonstrating that video games could be an artistic storytelling medium.

They include a sex scene if you complete a romance plot and in some cases this could be with someone of the same sex.

This is not true for the first one, and not really for the second one either (and certainly not if you play a male Shepard). Only the third really includes a same-sex option.

Both of these are very easy to avoid. The way I’d play the game would prevent me from experiencing the same gendered romance, but I do complete a romance plot.

Indeed.

I turn off the TV when the sex scene occurs.

Some of the romances do not involve sex scenes. You could easily turn away.

In addition, is it okay to play evil characters in games like this?

Why would it not be?

 

[Baelor]

I have played all three Mass Effect games and can say that I generally think they are good games. That being said, I do not think that it is wise to play through the romance plots even if you plan to turn off the TV during those scenes. The romance can be easily avoided, and the games are still quite enjoyable without it.

There is absolutely nothing morally wrong with playing the romance options.

I have seen one of the scenes, and they are significantly more tame than the media portrays them as being (stuff that isn’t uncommon in PG-13 movies or even on local TV). Even still, even “tame” scenes such as this should be avoided as they can bring about sensual feelings in the viewer.

Can. For those players not turned on by human-on-alien action, probably not.

It is very easy to be desensitized when you view violence at younger years and this can be hard to undo. This happened to me when I was younger even though I denied it to myself. When I became aware of it, it took some time to remind myself of the importance of human life.

This is certainly true. It is easy to watch a spaceship or a submarine getting blown up; it is more difficult to consider what that would be like in real life.

 

[Baelor]

The sex scene is evil. I have not seen it,

Then perhaps you should reconsider the strength of your statements.

The Catechism is not even exactly clear about whether pornography can refer to animated characters.

Even if you do not think that applies to your case, and even if you intend to turn off the images and sound during the sex scene, tell me, how does this game make you a better person or give glory to God? There are so many kinds of entertainment and games, so many other choices that are as enjoyable or better, why on earth would you pick this?

You have not played the game, presumably. How can you then comment on it? Do you know the story? Do you know that issues of religious tolerance, kindness, self-sacrifice, the sanctity of life, the purpose of existence, and so forth are all key questions raised by the games?

Furthermore, do you understand how harmful your mentality is? You use vague phrases like “make you a better person or give glory to God” in order to condemn that which you have not even experienced and about which you clearly know little, if anything at all. You play off guilt, not godliness. What does it mean for fiction to make someone a better person? What does it mean for fiction to give glory to God?

 

[Beryllos]

I stand by my earlier post.

I am not trying to lay a guilt trip on anyone. I give the OP credit for trying to avoid impure thoughts, etc., but I think he is playing with fire. What if one day his willpower is a little weaker and his curiosity is a little stronger, and he views the sex scene? Do you have a problem with that? I do.

And so what if I haven’t played the game, or researched it online? The OP wrote that there is “a sex scene if you complete a romance plot,” so I am guessing it is some kind of “reward” for good game play. I could be wrong about the content of the scene and the context of the game. I am just personally baffled at the concept of animated sex acts. How do you figure that is okay?

The Catechism does say “simulated sexual acts” in the definition of pornography. I wasn’t sure if that means “animated” as in cartoon, video game, and virtual reality, or real actors filming a scene, as in many R-rated movies, that portrays a sexual act but we know the actors were not really having sex. What is your understanding of “simulated sexual act”? How does that not apply to this video game?

By the way, how old are you? I’m 50+ and perhaps it’s a generational thing.

 

[Baelor]

I am not trying to lay a guilt trip on anyone. I give the OP credit for trying to avoid impure thoughts, etc., but I think he is playing with fire.

Beryllos, I know you are well-intentioned and the OP is right to be concerned about immorality. The issue, because of the nature of the ME games, is more complicated than it may appear. The video game series playtime is over 100 hours. Naturally, it is difficult to say whether one scene in such an enormous experience is “playing with fire,” especially because that circumstance can be avoided.

What if one day his willpower is a little weaker and his curiosity is a little stronger, and he views the sex scene? Do you have a problem with that? I do.

You cannot simply “view” the sex scene. It requires consistent choices over the course of 35 hours. That scene – entirely optional and easily avoidable – lasts one minute. You are suggesting that the OP forgo a series that lasts over 60,000 times the length of the optional sex scene. Do you never travel anywhere because you may be tempted by a brothel in the remote corner of your destination city?

And so what if I haven’t played the game, or researched it online? The OP wrote that there is “a sex scene if you complete a romance plot,” so I am guessing it is some kind of “reward” for good game play.

It is not a reward for good game play. It is the outcome of choices the player can make.

I could be wrong about the content of the scene and the context of the game. I am just personally baffled at the concept of animated sex acts. How do you figure that is okay?

Do you see how sex scenes with actual humans is different from sex scenes with animated characters?

The Catechism does say “simulated sexual acts” in the definition of pornography. I wasn’t sure if that means “animated” as in cartoon, video game, and virtual reality, or real actors filming a scene, as in many R-rated movies, that portrays a sexual act but we know the actors were not really having sex. What is your understanding of “simulated sexual act”? How does that not apply to this video game?

I think that the difference between real persons engaging in nudity and (possibly) sex and cartoon characters doing the same is significant. I personally would, like the OP, avoid the sex scene or not watch. Perhaps the Church should clarify.

 

[Beryllos]

Baelor, I have read your comments. Thank you, and God Bless.

 

[xzereus]

There is absolutely nothing morally wrong with playing the romance options.

I agree that the romance is not the problem. I only meant to mention that avoiding it can be wise as this removes the possibility of placing one’s self in the near occasion of the sin of lust. A moment of weakness, as another poster mentioned, can easily cause someone to view a scene that they planned to look away from.

 

[Beryllos]

I have seen one of the scenes, and they are significantly more tame than the media portrays them as being (stuff that isn’t uncommon in PG-13 movies or even on local TV).

My earlier characterization of these scenes as pornography was inaccurate. I have since reviewed a few of the scenes in Mass Effect and I agree entirely with xzereus’s assessment quoted above. Tame, PG-13, like local TV.

Baelor, C794, and others, sorry for the misunderstanding.

 

[C794]

My earlier characterization of these scenes as pornography was inaccurate. I have since reviewed a few of the scenes in Mass Effect and I agree entirely with xzereus’s assessment quoted above. Tame, PG-13, like local TV.

Baelor, C794, and others, sorry for the misunderstanding.

No worries; your post still gave me things to think about.

Thanks everyone for the informative replies

 

[Baelor]

I agree that the romance is not the problem. I only meant to mention that avoiding it can be wise as this removes the possibility of placing one’s self in the near occasion of the sin of lust. A moment of weakness, as another poster mentioned, can easily cause someone to view a scene that they planned to look away from.

Sure. I cannot relate because I am not prone to that level of temptation, but self-awareness is key in all such matters.

Baelor, C794, and others, sorry for the misunderstanding.

No problem on my end. Ultimately, we are all concerned for our moral well-being!

 

[Fone_Bone_2001]

Would it be sinful to play the Mass Effect games? They include a sex scene if you complete a romance plot and in some cases this could be with someone of the same sex. Both of these are very easy to avoid. The way I’d play the game would prevent me from experiencing the same gendered romance, but I do complete a romance plot. I turn off the TV when the sex scene occurs. Lastly, the game is fairly violent, although less so than games like Halo and Call of Duty. Since this game doesn’t create any sinful feeling in me; so can I play it in good conscious?

In addition, is it okay to play evil characters in games like this? This is not because it’s fun to be evil in games; I much prefer good characters. Still sometimes I want to experience the story with a different character morality (this slightly changes things).

It is not objectively immoral, in and of itself, to play Mass Effect or its sequels, or even to view depictions of violence and sensuality (the sexual parts are quite tame and don’t depict sex acts), nor is it in any way objectively immoral to have your Shepard make mostly Renegade choices.

However, your own subjective tendencies, temptations, etc., must be taken into account. You should avoid anything that has a reasonable chance of leading you into sin.

So only you can answer this question. Objectively, it’s fine; subjectively, be honest with yourself.

That said, I heartily recommend these games as games. The trilogy is phenomenal. If you do decide to play it, make sure you have the Extended Cut installed for the third game, because the ending is rather an unfinished mess without it. If you are willing and able to pay for DLCs, I recommend Lair of the Shadow Broker (unless you can’t stand Liara, as it focuses on her) and Arrival for Mass Effect 2, and Citadel for Mass Effect 3. Zaeed (which is free) and Kasumi in Mass Effect 2 will give you access to two additional squadmates (Zaeed Massani and Kasumi Goto), who are pretty cool. Kasumi is amazing in combat with her fancy tech abilities.

The sex scene is evil. I have not seen it, but it seems to fit the description of pornography given in the Catechism (the bold highlighting is mine):

Even if you do not think that applies to your case, and even if you intend to turn off the images and sound during the sex scene, tell me, how does this game make you a better person or give glory to God? There are so many kinds of entertainment and games, so many other choices that are as enjoyable or better, why on earth would you pick this?

I don’t think it fits the definition of pornography as given in the Catechism, as “simulated sexual acts” are not shown - just sensuality with partial nudity. The actual sexual acts are left undepicted, as is the norm for PG-13 style “sex scenes.”

However, you may have a point: the OP should be careful here.

Even if he decides he shouldn’t watch those scenes, though, they’re easy to skip. This is a game that highly values player choice and wants you to be able to craft your own individualized version of the story and to customize the nature of your character’s relationship with other characters.

Any and all romantic or sexual contact is optional and easily avoided.

No. Indeed; the Mass Effect games are some of the best video games ever (especially the first, in many ways). They were instrumental in demonstrating that video games could be an artistic storytelling medium.

They are indeed excellent games with enthralling stories and engaging, surprisingly dynamic characters.

Some of the romances do not involve sex scenes.

Excellent point. There’s nothing in Tali’s romance subplot, for instance, that’s even remotely explicit.

And so what if I haven’t played the game, or researched it online? The OP wrote that there is “a sex scene if you complete a romance plot,” so I am guessing it is some kind of “reward” for good game play.

As someone who has played the game, I can say with confidence that the OP’s description is rather inaccurate. I wouldn’t call it “a sex scene,” as it’s no more explicit than what you might see in a PG-13 film (i.e. sensuality, but no full nudity, and no actual sex acts depicted).

And it’s not offered as a “reward” in some external sense; it’s the natural consummation of taking the time to roleplaying a romantic connection throughout the game between the player’s character and a certain computer-controlled character. It’s meant to be part of the strictly customizable characterization and story flexibility of the medium.

Your warnings are realistic and warranted; we just have to remember that we’re not equipped to engage in spiritual direction to anonymous Internet people. Maybe he should stay well away from these games, but since playing them isn’t objectively immoral, we can’t say so with absolute, unconditional certainty, that’s all.

 

[Fone_Bone_2001]

I could be wrong about the content of the scene and the context of the game. I am just personally baffled at the concept of animated sex acts. How do you figure that is okay?

Oh, I agree. As I said (having played the games), these scenes are basically PG-13. No sexual acts are actually depicted.

The Catechism does say “simulated sexual acts” in the definition of pornography. I wasn’t sure if that means “animated” as in cartoon, video game, and virtual reality, or real actors filming a scene, as in many R-rated movies, that portrays a sexual act but we know the actors were not really having sex. What is your understanding of “simulated sexual act”? How does that not apply to this video game?

I think we’d be naive and ridiculous - probably even disingenuous - not to admit that this definition clearly applies to animation. But it doesn’t apply to the Mass Effect trilogy since no sexual acts are depicted, just PG-13-ish sensual scenes.

By the way, how old are you? I’m 50+ and perhaps it’s a generational thing.

Could be (I’m younger than that), but your warnings aren’t unreasonable. You make good points.

I’ll admit I’m biased, too: I love science fiction and good computer games, and I’ve played through the Mass Effect trilogy twice. They’re great games, with a great story, moving and dynamic characters, and creative and thorough world-building.

Also, Baelor makes some great points here:

The video game series playtime is over 100 hours. Naturally, it is difficult to say whether one scene in such an enormous experience is “playing with fire,” especially because that circumstance can be avoided.

Indeed. The vast majority of playtime doesn’t even include content that could tempt someone to impurity.

You cannot simply “view” the sex scene. It requires consistent choices over the course of 35 hours. That scene – entirely optional and easily avoidable – lasts one minute.

Excellent point.

Do you see how sex scenes with actual humans is different from sex scenes with animated characters?

I think that the difference between real persons engaging in nudity and (possibly) sex and cartoon characters doing the same is significant. I personally would, like the OP, avoid the sex scene or not watch. Perhaps the Church should clarify.

Here I disagree. I don’t think it’s that different. The only possible difference is that animated pornography wouldn’t necessarily involve violating the dignity of a real-life person, but animation is still perfectly capable of constituting pornography, and animated pornography would still be gravely immoral.

The Mass Effect games, however, don’t include pornography. They don’t depict sex acts. A tiny, optional, and easily avoidable fraction of the games’ content features PG-13-style sensuality with partial nudity.

My earlier characterization of these scenes as pornography was inaccurate. I have since reviewed a few of the scenes in Mass Effect and I agree entirely with xzereus’s assessment quoted above. Tame, PG-13, like local TV.

Exactly.

 

[Baelor]

Here I disagree. I don’t think it’s that different. The only possible difference is that animated pornography wouldn’t necessarily involve violating the dignity of a real-life person, but animation is still perfectly capable of constituting pornography, and animated pornography would still be gravely immoral.

There is obviously some difference – real people engaging in sexual sin v. fake people engaging in fake sin – but I think that your interpretation of the Church’s definition of pornography is correct.

 

[Pablopedro]

One thing I really enjoyed about the first game at least, is during the conversations with “Ashley” who believes in and prays to God, you get to have your character declare that he also believes in God and a nice little conversation follows it.

 

[Fone_Bone_2001]

One thing I really enjoyed about the first game at least, is during the conversations with “Ashley” who believes in and prays to God, you get to have your character declare that he also believes in God and a nice little conversation follows it.

Yeah, that was cool. If Ashley survives the first game, her faith comes up again in Mass Effect 3, if I recall. It probably would have come up in Mass Effect 2 as well, if her role in the middle game weren’t relegated to a cameo.

Religion comes up a lot in Mass Effect 2 as well, in discussions you can have with Thane Krios. Did you play the whole trilogy? Did you talk to Thane a lot?

Thane’s ethically relativistic dualism got on my nerves a lot, but when it came to religion, I found it interesting what a devout person he is.

If he survives Mass Effect 2, his character arc in Mass Effect 3 is beautiful. His heroic actions during the Cerberus coup, his last prayer for you when you and Kolyat are at his deathbed, the funeral you can have for him in the DLC Citadel… I loved his character progression. I think he comes a long way from being the disaffected, quasi-suicidal, relativistic assassin he is when you first meet him.

I’m impressed that they put so much work into so many characters for the third game when they had no guarantee that a given player would even see a particular character’s content at all in light of the fact that almost any combination of characters can die in Mass Effect 2. Of the Normandy’s entire crew, only Joker can’t die, if I recall correctly.

 

[Kithrus]

Yeah, that was cool. If Ashley survives the first game, her faith comes up again in Mass Effect 3, if I recall. It probably would have come up in Mass Effect 2 as well, if her role in the middle game weren’t relegated to a cameo.

Religion comes up a lot in Mass Effect 2 as well, in discussions you can have with Thane Krios. Did you play the whole trilogy? Did you talk to Thane a lot?

Thane’s ethically relativistic dualism got on my nerves a lot, but when it came to religion, I found it interesting what a devout person he is.

If he survives Mass Effect 2, his character arc in Mass Effect 3 is beautiful. His heroic actions during the Cerberus coup, his last prayer for you when you and Kolyat are at his deathbed, the funeral you can have for him in the DLC Citadel… I loved his character progression. I think he comes a long way from being the disaffected, quasi-suicidal, relativistic assassin he is when you first meet him.

I’m impressed that they put so much work into so many characters for the third game when they had no guarantee that a given player would even see a particular character’s content at all in light of the fact that almost any combination of characters can die in Mass Effect 2. Of the Normandy’s entire crew, only Joker can’t die, if I recall correctly.

I hate jack so much but her development into a teacher was very very refreshing.