Despite its controversy, the Christian based PC game, Left Behind: Eternal Forces, has reported that sales are exceeding expectations in a Texas Wal-Mart test market. In the game, you’re objective is to convert non-believers and people of other faiths to Christianity or else suffer the fate of the world.
Unsurprisingly, the appeal of this game has sparked boycott groups, including some Christian groups, to urge Wal-Mart to put down the controller (not sell the game). Now, I wonder why?
“Inspired Media Entertainment, a leading publisher of Christian video games, reports that the Walmart test market for Christian video games in Texas appears to be progressing beyond the company’s original expectations. A representative who has been making on-site checks to verify sales, reports that just two weeks after the initial inventory was displayed, approximately 25% of the games have been sold.“
Because of its violence against non-Christian individuals, it has sparked quite a bit of controversy. I hate to admit this, but looking at it from the other side, when the media lashes out at mature themes in games, the general consensus is that news reporters have never played the game, therefore their claims are taken out of context.
Similarly, With Modern Warfare 2 just over the horizon, players are getting excited for its soon to be release. The game will entail a lot of killing of terrorists and the butchering of many individuals. With that being said, no matter how morally flawed Left Behind may seem, just because it’s hard for people to see it from a Christian perspective, doesn’t mean there isn’t a justifiable right for this game to be sold, at least in the United States.
What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree?
Press Release: “MURRIETA, Calif., Nov. 4, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Left Behind Games Inc. (OTCBB:LFBG), dba Inspired Media Entertainment, a leading publisher of Christian video games, reports that the Walmart test market for Christian video games in Texas appears to be progressing beyond the company’s original expectations. A representative who has been making on-site checks to verify sales, reports that just two weeks after the initial inventory was displayed, approximately 25% of the games have been sold.
Troy Lyndon, CEO says, “At the rate Walmart inventory is moving, they will be out of games before Christmas, unless they reorder. We started sending out letters of appeal to Texas-based church pastors on October 12th, and plan to reach more than 10,000 churches over a 10-week campaign through Christmas. With seven weeks remaining, and accelerated sales expected as we near the holidays, we believe test results will be favorable leading to a broader national market for Christian based PC games.”
To enhance the company’s marketing impact and increase sales, Left Behind Games is distributing “Buy one from Walmart and get another FREE from us” mailers in areas surrounding each participating Walmart store. This special promotion is open to anyone anywhere. To take advantage of the offer, and/or find the nearest Walmart store carrying the games, go to www.inspiredmedia.com/walmart.
Christian products have gained popular acceptance in the music and book sections of retailers over recent years. For many years, Walmart stores have sold gospel music and both fictional and non-fictional Christian books, including the well-known Left Behind book series which has sold more than 65 million copies. Yet, there are few, if any, moral or Bible-based video game choices for youth and adults alike. With the introduction of the newest Left Behind and Charlie Church Mouse PC video games as well as Keys of the Kingdom in approximately 100 Texas Walmart stores, the immediate response from consumers indicates a solid level of interest in these products.
About Left Behind Games Inc.
Left Behind Games Inc., also known as Inspired Media Entertainment (www.inspiredmedia.com), has become one of the world’s leading independent developers and publishers of quality interactive entertainment products that perpetuate positive values and appeal to mainstream and faith-based audiences. For samples for your church or school, you can go to www.supportgoodgames.com and www.inspiredmedia.com.“
Good Article. Many gamers dont realize it, but they usually are just as bad as the people they despise. Only defend the games they agree with on.
To me it seems like this is dangerously close to hate propaganda or something I would expect to see from a 3rd world country so I am shocked and stunned to see it was produced in the US. I think this game is rightly being criticized for it’s narrow mindedness and I hope that I am right when I assume since they didn’t mention certain numbers it’s 25% of 100 which would mean they have only sold 25 games… Heres hoping it stays that way. *insert rolling eyes*
To the poster above me Da1rocky:
“Many gamers dont realize it, but they usually are just as bad as the people they despise”
What they heck are you talking about man? If a game sucks I criticize it please don’t lump me into a category with news anchors that have never played a game in their lives probably. Thanks.
The guys that wrote the books are laughing all the way to the bank. Generating millions through fear… nice work.
I love how their test area is in Texas, though!
@titan7000
How exactly is a game like this considered hate propaganda? It’s not trying to spread hate at all. Just because you may not be apart of the religion, does not mean that others are not. Likewise, just because you don’t find an interest in the game, does not mean that others also won’t.
Have you ever thought that maybe this might more appropriate for you to play than games where you murder countless numbers of people? Should we get rid of those games because the role you play in the game is offensive to somebody? How about the games where you’re trying to overthrow a government?….should we criticize those games for their views or ideas?
We should be thankful for the liberty we have in gaming, it’s pretty much an anything goes business…why should that stop when it comes to Christianity?
Good article.
As the Christian forces you lose points for killing people, at least that’s what it said on the box. I am more offended at all these idiots who are getting offended by the game.
I believe this is another situation where the press is just taking things out of hand yet again. I’ve read some of the books as well as seen some of the Left Behind movies. The game couldn’t be any worse than those are. I’m gonna have to call my brother in texas and see if he can’t hunt down a copy of this game.